Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
When the Minnesota Timberwolves name was brought up surrounding the NBA trade deadline, it was often in connection with blockbuster names, including James Harden, and way more so, Giannis Antentokounmpo.
Ultimately, president of basketball operations Tim Connelly failed to reel in a big fish for the second-straight trade deadline, instead pivoting to a trade with the Chicago Bulls that landed guard Ayo Dosunmu in Minnesota and did not cost the Wolves any of their rotation players.
Ayo made his Timberwolves debut on Sunday against the Los Angeles Clippers. He’s wearing a Minnesota uniform for the second time tonight vs Hawks, a matchup Chris Finch & Co hope ends with a much better result than the ugly lost they experienced over the weekend.
Ayo Dosunmu should settle in for Minnesota Timberwolves
One of the biggest questions surround Dosunmu, when he was acquired, was his unrestricted free agency status this offseason. While it’s true their newest addition is scheduled for the open market this summer, though, doesn’t mean the MN Timberwolves will let him get there.
According to what Connelly told Chris Hine (Star Tribune) after the deal for Ayo Dosunmu was consummated, Minnesota does not see their newly-turned 26-year-old playmaker as a midseason rental, despite what his current contract says.
Instead, the Wolves — who acquired Ayo’s “Bird Rights” in the trade — appear extremely motivated to sign Dosunmu to an extension this offseason, before he makes it to free agency.
As a free agent after this season, Dosunmu would of course have to agree to come back to Minnesota, but the Wolves view him as a long-term member of the team.
“You trade for a guy that’s about everything we like — worker, really bright guy, great teammate, well thought of throughout the organization of Chicago,“ Connelly said. ”A position of need, so we’re certainly hopeful it’s a long-term match. He wasn’t just identified for the next 30-plus games, he was identified because he was a guy who could be a huge part of our core.”
It’s a good thing that Minnesota sees a further investment in Dosunmu. Short of winning a championship, it’d be difficult to explain trading away Rob Dillingham — who the Wolves moved up to No. 8 in the 2024 draft to select — for just 30 games from a backup guard.
Dosunmu fits perfectly with the MN Timberwolves
In 45 games with the Bulls this season Dosunmu has had the best year of his career. The 15.0 points per game is a new high-water mark, and he’s shooting 51.4% from the field.
Combining that with defense is something that this MN Timberwolves team can use. Connelly outlines exactly what Dosunmu can bring to the table.
Connelly acknowledged the obvious comparison Wolves fans have made, that Dosunmu replaces what Nickeil Alexander-Walker brought in past seasons — high energy and effort on defense and someone who can handle the ball a bit while still playing alongside a ball-dominant starter like Anthony Edwards.
That role works both this season, and into the future. Minnesota is still short of a true facilitating point guard and Dosunmu isn’t that. However, the rotation has been in flux after recent changes over the last few seasons and they need to find their footing.
At 32-22, the Wolves are currently 6th in the Western Conference and they’ve been somewhat of a mess recently, both on the floor — where they’ve lost three of four — and in the locker room.
Late last week, Rudy Gobert aired frustration over the effort of his teammates. Finch replied publicly, and not in kind. Figuring out a way to get this rotation working properly is a must if they want to go anywhere.
Mentioned in this article: Ayo Dosunmu
More About:Minnesota Timberwolves
Add MinnesotaSportsFan as a preferred source on Google.