In a week defined by a chaotic "everything must go" sale in the Windy City, the Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves finalized a deal on February 5, 2026, that sends hometown hero Ayo Dosunmu to the North Star State.
The trade marks a painful but necessary pivot for a Bulls franchise finally embracing a total teardown, while Minnesota secures a missing backcourt piece to fuel their championship aspirations.
The Trade Breakdown
| Minnesota Timberwolves Receive | Chicago Bulls Receive |
| Ayo Dosunmu (G) | Rob Dillingham (G) |
| Julian Phillips (F) | Leonard Miller (F) |
| 4 Second-Round Picks |
Analysis: The Repercussions
Minnesota: The "Fixer" arrives
The Timberwolves (32-20) have been haunted by underwhelming backcourt depth all season. With Mike Conley Jr. showing signs of his age and recently being moved, and rookie Rob Dillingham struggling to adapt to the NBA pace, the Wolves needed an immediate upgrade.
The Fit: Dosunmu is having a career year, averaging 15 points and shooting a scorching 45.1% from three. At 6'4", he provides the point-of-attack defense and secondary playmaking that perfectly complements Anthony Edwards.
The Depth: Adding Julian Phillips gives Minnesota a high-motor wing to help absorb minutes while they chase a top-four seed in the West.
Chicago: Clearing the Runway
The Bulls have traded nearly every veteran of value over the last 48 hours, including Nikola Vučević, Coby White, and Anfernee Simons. This trade signals the unofficial start of the "Buzelis/Giddey Era."
The Reclamation Projects: Chicago takes a flier on Rob Dillingham, the 2024 lottery pick whose value plummeted in Minnesota. In a rebuilding environment, Dillingham will finally get the high-usage minutes he needs to develop. Leonard Miller also provides a versatile frontcourt prospect with significant raw upside.
Asset Hoarding: By adding four more second-rounders, the Bulls have now accumulated an astonishing 18 draft picks over the next seven years.
The Verdict: Who Won?
Winner: Minnesota Timberwolves
While Chicago did well to pivot into a youth movement, Minnesota wins this deal because they acquired a high-level starter in his prime without giving up a single member of their core rotation.
The Wolves essentially admitted that the Dillingham pick was a mistake, but they corrected that mistake before it cost them a playoff run. Dosunmu is one of the most efficient "3-and-D" guards in the league right now; his arrival transforms Minnesota’s bench from a liability into a strength. For a team coming off back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances, this is the kind of aggressive "finishing move" that title contenders make.
Final Grade: > * Timberwolves: A (Immediate impact, addressed their biggest weakness)
Bulls: B- (Good asset accumulation, but losing a local favorite like Dosunmu stings)
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