Timberwolves' Ayo Dosunmu trade is looking better with each passing day

The Minnesota Timberwolves trading for Ayo Dosunmu was a popular move. 10 games into the Ayo era, the Timberwolves are 8-2 and riding a five-game win streak. During the Wolves' past two games, Dosunmu has had two of his best games since joining the team. And even in the games where he doesn't fill up the stat sheet, Dosunmu makes his impact felt.

Dosunmu's past two games were special for different reasons. First, starting with the most recent game against the Toronto Raptors. Ayo poured in 13 points and four stocks. With Jaden McDaniels running into foul trouble, Ayo immediately stepped in and gave the Wolves a spark on both ends of the floor. His 14 points and four assists against the Memphis Grizzlies were also valuable, as Naz Reid had an off night.  

Having some extra lineup optionality and bench production is a massive difference maker for the Timberwolves. It certainly helps that Ayo positively contributes to every facet of basketball. 

Ayo's impact so far

Overall, Dosunmu is averaging 11.6 points, 2.7 assists, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.3 stocks. Those averages might not jump off the page, but the Wolves don't need  Ayo to score 15 ppg as he did with the Chicago Bulls. Some nights he does, and that's great, but often the Wolves need every other element of Dosunmu's impact. 

Ayo's defense is a key part of his impact. Since Nickeil Alexander-Walker's departure, the Wolves have been missing a quality point-of-attack defender outside of McDaniels. Having this option with Dosunmu when McDaniels is off the court is vital. And when McDaniels is on the court, it's similar to the "welcome to hell" defense we've been accustomed to with the Wolves.

For a Timberwolves team that can be sluggish, Ayo often gives them a shot in the arm, so to speak. Dosunmu's defense often leads to offense -- if he grabs a steal or rebound, he typically pushes the pace and scores in transition. Dosunmu has helped the Wolves double down on their new fast-paced identity. 

Offensively, Ayo attacks the rim with a blend of speed, strength, and control. Having another guard who can create for himself around the rim is an element that the Wolves have lacked in the past. Furthermore, his presence as a spot-up shooter makes him a smooth fit with anyone in the Wolves' lineup. Ayo's poise as a playmaker also stands out; thus far, he's averaging 2.7 assists and 0.8 turnovers. 

Ayo changes the Timberwolves' championship outlook

Before the trade deadline, I often discussed how I thought the Wolves were one bench piece away from a championship. I also always mentioned that Ayo was an ideal trade target. 

Okay, victory lap aside, it's clear that Ayo's well-rounded skill set makes him an ideal fit for the Wolves' bench. Furthermore, his presence changes the Wolves' championship outlook to some degree. Before, the Wolves severely lacked ball-handling, and their bench was overly dependent on Naz Reid. Now, though, the Wolves have ample depth for a championship run, and seemingly with each game, this move looks better. 

The Wolves gave up two young players who couldn't crack the rotation (Rob Dillingham and Leonard Miller) and four second-round picks to trade for Ayo. As such, this trade looks like a true masterstroke for Tim Connelly.