When the Minnesota Timberwolves lost Nickeil Alexander-Walker to free agency, questions instantly arose about what would come next. Alexander-Walker was a pivotal two-way contributor off the bench who departed at a time when Minnesota lacked the resources to replace him in free agency.
By trading for Ayo Dosunmu, the Timberwolves have not only addressed a personnel issue, but potentially found a long-term fit if they're able to re-sign him this summer.
The Timberwolves have spent the 2025-26 season searching for stability in the backcourt. Donte DiVincenzo and Anthony Edwards have formed a tremendous pairing in the starting lineup, but depth has been an issue they’ve been unable to resolve internally.
Thankfully, Minnesota has completed a savvy trade for Dosunmu and thus replaced Alexander-Walker with a player who perfectly suits the rotation on paper.
Just in: The Chicago Bulls have traded Ayo Dosunmu to the Minnesota Timberwolves, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/DOzVoArBsL
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 5, 2026
The outgoing cost was a combination of up-and-coming point guard Rob Dillingham and four second-round draft picks.
Minnesota traded Rob Dillingham, Leonard Miller and four second-round picks to Chicago for Dosunmu and Julian Phillips, sources said. https://t.co/bVhLA9Sb3f
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 5, 2026
It was a low-cost gamble that could pay dividends as the Timberwolves look to take the extra step after making consecutive Conference Finals appearances.
Ayo Dosunmu offers what Timberwolves have lacked since losing Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Dosunmu, who's still just 26 years of age, is a high-level defender and effective dribble penetrator who can space the floor, create for others, and play mistake-free basketball. Unfortunately, his quality has been overshadowed by the Chicago Bulls' inability to build a truly competitive team.
In Minnesota, Dosunmu's strengths should shine through as he joins forces with DiVincenzo to form one of the best combinations of supporting guards in the NBA.
Dosunmu is currently averaging 15.0 points, 3.6 assists, 3.0 rebounds, 0.8 steals, and 1.9 three-point field goals made in just 26.4 minutes per game. That translates to eye-opening marks of 20.5 points, 5.0 assists, 4.1 rebounds, 1.0 steal, and 2.6 three-point field goals made per 36 minutes.
In addition to producing with volume, Dosunmu has shot the lights out with a slash line of .514/.451/.857.
Ayo Dosunmu offers two-way value Timberwolves needed on defense
If Dosunmu stays the course, then it would be the second time in three seasons that he's shot at least 40.3 percent from beyond the arc. That alone makes him an ideal fit for a team that ranks in the top half of the NBA in three-point field goal attempts per game.
What truly takes Dosunmu over the top as an Alexander-Walker replacement, however, is how dynamic his game has quietly become.
Dosunmu's current average of 8.0 drives per game would rank third on the Timberwolves behind Edwards and Julius Randle. He'd also be third on the team in points via drives and would be tied for first in passes via drives.
Perhaps even more importantly: Dosunmu is averaging 1.6 catch-and-shoot three-point field goals made per game on 42.5 percent shooting. Minnesota, meanwhile, ranks No. 18 in attempts.
For as compelling as his offense may be, Dosunmu's primary value is that he offers a bit of everything on the defensive end of the floor. He ranks third in the NBA in ball screen navigation and places in the 80th percentile in off-ball chaser defense and the 71st percentile in perimeter isolation defense, per Basketball Index.
Months after losing Alexander-Walker, it certainly seems as though the Timberwolves have found the two-way guard they've needed in Dosunmu.