Should the Chicago Bulls Commit to Former Illini Guard Ayo Dosunmu?

Ayo Dosunmu isn't the type to leave anything on the table. Wherever he has played – at Westinghouse and then Morgan Park in Chicago, downstate at Illinois and finally back again in the Windy City for his hometown NBA Chicago Bulls – Dosunmu's approach has always been full tilt and no chill. Work, hoop, rinse, repeat.

That ethic, as well as his extraordinary talent, have been appreciated at every stop, but now Dosunmu – and his current employer, the Bulls – are now at a crossroads. Dosunmu is coming off should surgery following an injury that had bothered him for years. On the one hand, his career trajectory has taken the form of a steady rise through his four seasons in the NBA.

Ayo Dosunmu's NBA career statistics (all with the Chicago Bulls)

But Dosunmu's timing isn't ideal. Chicago appears to be ready to hit the reset button (yet again), and trade rumors have churned – often with his name in the mix. At a time when Dosunmu, still just 25, is entering a contract year while simultaneously trying to demonstrate his health and prove his ultimate ceiling as a player, the Bulls are focused on building a roster around Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey.Even if Dosunmu returns to form and matches veterans Coby White and Kevin Huerter in an open competition for playing time on the wing, it's unclear exactly what his role is – or even should be – in 2025-26. Let's quickly break down the Bulls' decision.

Why the Bulls should keep Dosunmu

The pros regarding Dosunmu as a player and a franchise representative are pretty straightforward:Versatility: Dosunmu, at 6-foot-5 and a sturdy 200 pounds, slots at the 2 but can play the 3 in a punch and also be the lead trigger man for a second unit. His three-point shooting (despite a dip last season that may just be statistical noise based on the small sample size and his left – non-shooting – shoulder injury) has improved to the point that he adds value regardless of position or lineup configuration.

Veteran example: Dosunmu isn't an old head, but he has been in the league long enough to help nurture the growth of younger players and set a standard with his work ethic while also still delivering on the floor. He's a tenacious defender and high-IQ player willing to do what his club needs outside of scoring. Those are intangibles that help a young team build a healthy culture.Off the court: Dosunmu is the ideal ambassador for the Bulls, as well as his city and state. He has played only for teams in Chicago and Champaign, and he has long been a model citizen who engages with the community. For a franchise that has spun its wheels on the court and done so little to generate good will with the public off of it, having a guy like Dosunmu on your side shouldn't be underestimated.