The Chicago Bulls face a critical decision that could reshape their roster’s future. With roughly four weeks until the season starts, trade speculation is already heating up around two key players who Bulls fans have grown to love: Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu.
The Contract Conundrum
The Bulls find themselves in a challenging position with eight expiring contracts on their roster. Seven players could walk away as unrestricted free agents next summer, leaving Chicago with nothing in return – a scenario no front office wants to face with valuable assets.
Both White and Dosunmu are entering the final year of team-friendly deals that now look like bargains. The contracts are so favorable to Chicago that the organization can’t even offer extensions that meet current market value due to league restrictions.
Why Trading Makes Financial Sense
While the Bulls will have significant cap space next offseason, spending big money on both guards might not align with their rebuilding timeline, especially after re-signing Josh Giddey. The competition for their services could be intense, with roughly ten teams projected to have meaningful cap space.
This creates the uncomfortable reality that keeping both players past the trade deadline might not be the smart play. Converting at least one into future assets could be the responsible move for a franchise still trying to find its identity.
Dosunmu Emerges as Trade Candidate
According to Chicago Sports Network’s K.C. Johnson, the Bulls front office has already explored moving Dosunmu. Speaking on the Gimme the Hot Sauce Podcast with Stacey King, Johnson revealed:
“I know for a fact the Bulls were involved in some pretty advanced trade talks with Ayo this past offseason that they couldn’t finalize. So they’re thinking [about] this, whether or not they can get the right deal remains to be seen.”
Johnson emphasized that the organization values both players highly and that they fit the team’s vision. However, the practical realities of roster construction and salary cap management may force difficult decisions.
Previous Trade Speculation
Dosunmu rumors aren’t new – his name surfaced multiple times over the summer, with specific connections to the Lakers. While Johnson previously expected the guard to remain with Chicago, his recent comments suggest the situation remains fluid heading into the season.
The timing of these renewed discussions, so close to training camp, indicates the Bulls are seriously weighing their options before the trade deadline.
The Shoulder Surgery Factor
Dosunmu’s return from season-ending shoulder surgery adds another layer of complexity. If he builds on last season’s career-high performances and proves fully healthy, interested teams might be more willing to meet Chicago’s asking price.
His recovery timeline and early-season performance could significantly impact his trade value and the Bulls’ willingness to move him.
Market Dynamics Could Help or Hurt
The abundance of available cap space next summer creates interesting trade dynamics. Teams with money might lowball offers, knowing they can pursue Dosunmu in free agency. Conversely, contending teams with limited cap flexibility might overpay to jump ahead of the summer competition.
The Bulls need to navigate these varying motivations to maximize their return, which requires careful evaluation of each potential suitor’s circumstances.
White Could Change the Equation
While Dosunmu appears to be the primary trade candidate, Coby White’s performance could shift the conversation entirely. If White starts the season looking like an All-Star, it might flip the script on which guard the Bulls prioritize keeping.
This dynamic makes the upcoming season particularly compelling from a front office perspective, even if the on-court product doesn’t generate widespread excitement.
The Bigger Picture
These decisions will significantly impact the Bulls’ future direction. The franchise has struggled through three consecutive Play-In Tournament losses, and roster changes seem inevitable given their current trajectory.
Whether they choose to trade Dosunmu, White, or potentially both will signal their commitment to the current core versus embracing a more comprehensive rebuild.
What Bulls Fans Should Expect
The reality is that Chicago likely can’t keep both guards long-term without hampering their flexibility. While it’s painful to consider trading homegrown talent that fans have embraced, the front office must prioritize the franchise’s long-term health.
The next few months will reveal whether the Bulls can extract meaningful value for these assets or risk losing them for nothing in free agency. For a organization that’s made questionable decisions in recent years, getting this right could be crucial for their future competitiveness.
As much as we’d love to keep both White and Dosunmu, the business realities of the NBA might force the Bulls to make the difficult but necessary choice to trade at least one of them.