The Chicago Bulls’ financial situation, trade hopes and standoff with Josh Giddey could force them to make other moves, including trading Ayo Dosunmu, something that could interest the Detroit Pistons.
According to ClutchPoints, the Bulls have interest in a sign-and-trade for restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, but first have to take care of their own business with Josh Giddey, a stalemate that is apparently going nowhere.
This led to the following speculation from Brett Siegel:
“Ayo Dosunmu is a key name to keep an eye on, not just for the Warriors, who have been interested in him previously, but other teams around the league as well. There has been plenty of interest in Dosunmu as he enters the final year of his contract.”
The Pistons don’t have a dire need at this point, though they could certainly use more depth at point guard and power forward, smaller needs that they have not addressed this offseason and may feel they can fill internally.
It would be surprising to see Detroit make a move for Dosunmu at this point, especially after the recent signing of wing Colby Jones to a two-way contract.
But Dosunmu fits the mold of a player the Pistons could pursue at some point next season, especially if the Bulls don’t end up moving him this summer.
Detroit Pistons: Ayo Dosunmu is a future possibility
I’ve always liked Dosunmu. He’s a tough defender, glue guy and one of those players who impacts winning in a variety of ways.
His 3-point shooting took a dip last season, but he has shot 36 percent for his career and is the prototypical 3-and-D type with a long wingspan that allows him to defend multiple positions.
He’s not a star, but a Bruce Brown type who can be the perfect complementary role player on the right team.
The Pistons have the financial flexibility to chase him now but are more likely to see how their current group pans out, but there are potentially guard minutes available.
Dosunmu is more of a combo guard but did average 4.5 assists per game last season and can be a secondary playmaker, a trait the Pistons targeted in Caris LeVert and one they hope to get more of from Jaden Ivey.
Dosunmu is also on an expiring contract, so doesn’t represent any long-term commitment, so he’d be perfect for a playoff run without changing the long-term cap sheet.
He’s a name to watch at the trade deadline if he’s still on the Bulls, as they won’t want to lose him for nothing and is the type of player who could help any playoff hopeful.