On deadline day, the Timberwolves bolstered their second unit by acquiring Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu, along with young wing Julian Phillips. Going to Chicago in the trade are Rob Dillingham, Leonard Miller, and four second-round picks.
Miller and Dillingham were never going to be able to crack Minnesota's rotation, let alone play playoff minutes. Dosunmu gives the Timberwolves a guy who will no doubt be a playoff player and a consistent guy off the bench (which the Wolves have severely lacked).
Why he is a better fit than Coby White
Coby White might 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's shooting 45.1 percent from three this season, which is top-10 in the NBA. He's a competitive defender, whereas White isn't strong in that department, and he can be effective both on and off the ball.
Ayo Dosunmu: 45.1 3P%
— Wilder Adams (@whatsontapnba) February 5, 2026
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 OF FLAME THROWERS 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/AFwRMJxz0j
However, the biggest reason is that while both are on expiring contracts, Dosunmu will be much easier to retain long-term, which will absolutely be a priority for the Wolves. He matches the timelines of guys like Anthony Edwards, Naz Reid, and Jaden McDaniels like a glove.
The Wolves gave up minimal value for a high-impact player
I was a believer in Rob Dillingham being the point guard of the future when he was drafted, but unfortunately, he was too far buried on the depth chart to ever get a real shake at the rotation. Leonard Miller was another guy who came in with high potential, but after three seasons, I'm not sure he's played more than five meaningful minutes in his career.
No matter which way you spin it, getting a guy who can either start or come off the bench and play meaningful minutes in big games for two guys who were completely removed from any potential rotation spot is a huge win.
The Wolves have roster spots to use on the buyout market
After the deadline, the Wolves have two open roster spots and will certainly look to the buyout market to fill those. After a busy deadline around the league, some intriguing names could be available. Some of my favorites that have been linked to a potential buyout are DeMar DeRozan (unlikely, but would be unreal), Khris Middleton, Georges Niang, and Kyle Anderson.
The Wolves are also rumored to bring back Mike Conley with one of those spots, which I'm all for, as long as he goes into a Joe Ingles role. Giving him any rotation minutes with our new backcourt depth would be lunacy.