For the last four weeks and the next two, trade rumors have been running wild and will only amplify. From Coby White to Minnesota, to Nikola Vucevic to Golden State, the combination of expiring contracts and an imminent soft rebuild has made the Bulls potentially the most curious case heading into the trade deadline. On one hand, everything about the situation, the expiring contracts, the mediocre record, and the desperate need for future assets to help the rebuilding process says that the team is undoubtedly going to be sellers. On the other hand, the franchise is led by one of the most stubborn and unwilling-to-budge front offices in the business. Arturas Karnisovas has been widely considered one of the league’s most controversial front-office leaders, and his moves have disappointed fans in Chicago since his arrival. One constant over his years has been his reluctance to move away assets if the team is close to playoff contention. They’re currently less than three games out of the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference, which raises serious concerns of another year without significant changes or gambles. While whispers surrounding this asset might continue to grow, one reporter says he’s become “untouchable” in any transactions.
Ayo Dosunmu Has Earned His Future In Chicago
Coby White, Tre Jones, Ayo Dosunmu, and Nikola Vucevic are some of the most commonly named players in trade talks as the deadline nears. Before the regular season, Karnisovas stated that this would be a prove-it season for the entire roster, and that the top priority was determining who has earned a long-term roster spot and who would better benefit the franchise by flipping for future assets. Dosunmu has undoubtedly cemented himself as the former.
Is Ayo Dosunmu untouchable?
Stacey says Yes✅
Check it out here👀: https://t.co/AnWFl13fOi pic.twitter.com/sRE4Y2ug3b
— Gimme The Hot Sauce Podcast (@gimmehotsauce21) January 22, 2026
The point guard’s length, defensive versatility, playmaking ability, and drastic three-point shooting improvements have made him irreplaceable. In a place that’s got too many guards, Dosunmu has separated himself from the pack.
Trade White, Keep Dosunmu
Coby White is the ideal trade candidate for the Chicago Bulls. His perfect fit in a sixth-man role, with starting-caliber playmaking and scoring, has the most appeal to a contending roster. In addition, his contract will be more lucrative than his counterpart moving forward, due to the consistency across several years of proving his value. If the Bulls have the chance to ship off one guard in exchange for future assets, their former Tar Heel point guard is the top candidate.
The Timberwolves are showing interest in Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, and Tre Jones, per @JCowleyHoops
“Another trade partner for the Bulls to keep an eye on is the Timberwolves. They have star guard Anthony Edwards and his supporting cast of center Rudy Gobert and forwards Julius… pic.twitter.com/tCjTIGwLpS
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 21, 2026
While playing the fewest minutes in his career and coming off the bench more than he ever has, the former Fighting Illini guard is averaging a career best in points, shooting percentage, and three-point percentage. The profound versatility and efficiency have given Chicago the freedom to move him around lineups, slide him into different roles when injuries hit, and made it clear that he’s on the list with Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis as pieces to build a future around.
Do you agree with King that Dosunmu has become untouchable this season? Of White, Jones, and Dosunmu, in what order would you be willing to part ways with them for future capital?
