On deadline day, the Timberwolves strengthened their second unit by acquiring Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu along with young wing Julian Phillips. Rob Dillingham, Leonard Miller and four second-round picks go to Chicago in trade.
Miller and Dillingham could never crack Minnesota’s rotation, let alone play playoff minutes. Dosunmu gives the Timberwolves a guy who will undoubtedly be a playoff player and a consistent guy off the bench (which the Wolves have sorely missed).
Why he’s a better fit than Coby White
Coby White may be a better overall player, but for what the Wolves need, it’s hard to beat the dollar-to-production value that Dosunmu brings. He is shooting 45.1 percent from three this season, which ranks in the top ten in the NBA. He is a competitive defender, while White is not strong in that area, and he can be effective both on and off the ball.
Ayo Dosunmu: 45.1 3P%
Anthony Edwards: 40.1 3P%
Jaden McDaniels: 45.4 3P%
Naz Reid: 39.6 3P%
Donte DiVincenzo: 39.2 3P%
Bones Hyland: 37.1 3P%A SQUAD FLAMETHROWERS 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/AFwRMJxz0j
— Wilder Adams (@whatsontapnba) February 5, 2026
The biggest reason, however, is that even though their contracts are up, Dosunmu will be much easier to retain in the long term, which will definitely be a priority for the Wolves. He fits perfectly with the timelines of guys like Anthony Edwards, Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels.
The Wolves gave up minimal value for a high-impact player
I had faith that Rob Dillingham would be the point guard of the future when he was drafted, but unfortunately he was too buried on the depth chart to ever get a real jolt into the rotation. Leonard Miller was also a guy with great potential, but after three seasons I’m not sure he’s played more than five meaningful minutes in his career.
No matter how you spin it, getting a guy who can start or come off the bench and play meaningful minutes in big games is a huge win for two guys completely removed from a potential rotation spot.
The Wolves have roster spots they can use in the buyout market
After the deadline, the Wolves have two open roster spots and will certainly look to the buyout market to fill them. After a busy league deadline, there could be some intriguing names available. Some of my favorites who have been linked to a possible acquisition are DeMar DeRozan (unlikely, but would be surreal), Khris Middleton, Georges Niang, and Kyle Anderson.
The Wolves are also rumored to be bringing back Mike Conley with one of those spots, which I’m all for as long as he plays Joe Ingles’ role. Giving him rotation minutes with our new backcourt would be madness.
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