The evaluation process for every Chicago Bulls player will begin in three days. This season’s only goal is to assess every man’s value to the franchise’s future. Having traded away all of its veteran pieces with the exception of Nikola Vucevic, who will likely be traded or cut before the season’s end, Chicago has definitively chosen the direction of a rebuild. The first step in any rebuild is purging expensive, aging assets. Next, the Bulls must determine who they will invest in for the long haul and ultimately build a new team around. Josh Giddey’s four-year, $100 million extension, inked in September, is a clear signifier that he’s the first player they’ve deemed worthy of constructing around. While Matas Buzelis or Coby White might be the obvious answers for the next two in line, one player has burst onto the scene through a few impressive preseason outings, and in his contract year, will be hunting a new contract of his own.
Ayo Dosunmu’s Make-Or-Break Year
Chicago’s fifth-year guard, Ayo Dosunmu, has been in a boat similar to most of the Bulls’ depth chart. He’s had nights where he’s seemingly unstoppable, and without question, a cornerstone piece for the franchise. Other days, he disappears on the court, turns the ball over too often, and his outside scoring ability is non-existent. In Dosunmu’s case, the defense has been a constant. He first made his mark when locking down Trae Young in the Play-In matchup a few seasons ago, and has since become a mainstay on that side of the floor. As for the offensive side, his shooting comes and goes, the aggression is sparse, and the numbers are inconsistent.
Ayo Dosunmu's first career triple-double! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/OzX5485LFQ
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 6, 2024
A year ago, his season was shortened to just 46 games due to injury, but early this year, he’s looking sharper than ever. Giddey will be the nightly starter at point guard, but Dosunmu may battle for the starting shooting guard or small forward position with his relentless defense and ability to playmake on the open floor.
Finding His Role, Earning A New Contract
The former Fighting Illini legend’s biggest hurdle will be finding consistency in his role. Due to his young age and flurry of unproven talents on the team, the lineup and minutes distribution will be highly variable. His defense and 6’4″ frame already give him the edge on smaller guards, but the scoring and playmaking can set him apart. He’ll find consistent minutes if he can sustain the nearly 60% shooting from the field and over 44% from deep that he converted over the last three preseason outings. As soon as the scoring efficiency drops and he fails to spread the floor effectively, others who are similarly youthful and inconsistent thus far will be granted opportunities.
Ayo Dosunmu has killed it throughout the last three preseason games. If he continues this play, he'll be sure to get a major contract next offseason when he's a free agent. pic.twitter.com/hvwwxfN00W
— Armchair Illinois (@ArmchairIllini) October 15, 2025
Dosunmu found a new gear between the lines early in his contract year. Can he continue to impress and ultimately earn himself a payday this offseason, or will the same peaks and troughs continue to haunt him into free agency?