Since joining the Minnesota Timberwolves, Ayo Dosunmu has checked every box regarding what the team hoped to see from him. He’s provided instant offense off the bench, has fit in with the starting lineup since Anthony Edwards has been out, and provides excellent screen navigation and tenacity on the defensive side.
On Monday, ESPN’s Zach Kram ranked what he believes are the 10 best (and worst) NBA deals since the 2025 offseason. There’s a strong case as to why the Dosunmu trade should be on the list for best (it wasn’t), especially over the one that came in at #10.
You can build a case for the Dosunmu trade to be over a few that Kram picked for his best moves, but I’m going to focus on #10. Coming in at 10th is the New York Knicks trading for Jose Alvarado. It was certainly a solid pickup for the Knicks as all they gave up was Dalon Terry, two second-round picks, and cash.
Now, the on/off numbers state that the team is 12.6 points per 100 possessions better with Alvarado on the court. He is three assists without a turnover shy of an assist-to-turnover ratio of 5.0 since joining New York.
This isn’t to say that Alvarado wasn’t an excellent pickup to play backup point guard minutes as well as spend some time alongside Jalen Brunson. I just don’t think it was more impactful than the Timberwolves adding Dosunmu.
Both great moves, but the Ayo Dosunmu trade is just a little better
The deal involved Dosumnu, Julian Phillips, heading to Minnesota with the Chicago Bulls receiving Rob Dillingham, Leonard Miller, and four second-round picks. Unfortunately, Dillingham never panned out, and Leonard Miller was never a part of their rotation.
For a team that needed more scoring off the bench, Dosunmu has provided it. He exerts a ton of energy on both sides of the court. The 26-year-old has also done a wonderful job filling in for Anthony Edwards in the starting lineup the last four games. Ayo has averaged 19 points, eight rebounds, and 5.5 assists while connecting on nine 3-pointers. Minnesota has a 3-1 record over that time even without their superstar.
Both the Knicks and Timberwolves are hoping for lengthy playoff runs. New York will need Alvarado to hit open shots, and as impactful as he’s been, he has struggled from beyond the arc for over a month now. Dosunmu has made 42.9 percent of his 3-point tries since joining the Wolves.
Dosumnu is also clearly going to get more minutes in the playoffs than Alvarado. With the Knicks hoping Miles McBride returns before the end of the regular season, Alvarado will be battling with McBride, Landry Shamet, and Jordan Clarkson for backcourt minutes off the bench. Yes, Alvarado is best suited amongst all of them to run the point, but Brunson’s minutes are surely to increase.
Meanwhile, would it surprise anyone if Chris Finch eventually turns to Dosumnu for a full-time starting role? He’s been better than Donte DiVincenzo since coming to Minnesota. Even if he remains on the bench, expectations of at least 25 minutes a game for the playoffs should be there.
Both the Jose Alvarado and Ayo Dosumnu trades were excellent pickups by their respective teams. I just think the Ayo move was better.