The Golden State Warriors are reportedly exploring trade options to strengthen their roster ahead of the upcoming NBA season, and the latest buzz points to a potential deal involving a guard from the Chicago Bulls. This development signals a clear intent from the Warriors’ front office to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving Western Conference, where talent consolidation is key to staying relevant in the playoff hunt. According to multiple sources, the Warriors are eyeing Ayo Dosunmu, a promising young guard who has steadily improved each season since entering the league. The 24-year-old Dosunmu, drafted by Chicago in the second round in 2021, has become an integral part of the Bulls’ backcourt rotation. His growth as a defender, playmaker, and shooter makes him a valuable asset, especially for a team like the Warriors, who are in search of youthful energy and depth around their aging core.
Dosunmu’s skill set appears to align perfectly with Golden State’s system. Known for his perimeter defense, unselfish playmaking, and ability to hit spot-up threes, he brings a balanced approach to both ends of the court. In the 2024–2025 NBA season, Dosunmu averaged around 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists per game while shooting efficiently from the field and beyond the arc. His low turnover rate and high basketball IQ have made him a coach’s favorite, and these traits are particularly valued in Steve Kerr’s motion offense, which relies on quick decision-making and off-ball movement. The Warriors have had an inconsistent second unit in recent seasons, and Dosunmu could provide stability and versatility in the backcourt, either as a backup point guard or playing alongside Stephen Curry in dual-guard lineups.
What makes Dosunmu even more appealing is his contract situation. He’s on a team-friendly deal with one year remaining, making him an ideal acquisition for a team facing salary cap pressure. Golden State is already navigating the complexities of the luxury tax, and Dosunmu’s modest salary provides an opportunity to add real value without significantly impacting their cap sheet. Furthermore, he is young enough to be part of a potential post-Curry era while also mature and experienced enough to contribute immediately.
The idea of a trade between Golden State and Chicago involving Dosunmu is also rooted in each team’s current trajectory. The Bulls are in a state of transition, with uncertainty surrounding the futures of core players like Zach LaVine and Nikola Vučević. After another underwhelming season, the Bulls may be inclined to pivot toward a younger, more athletic direction. Acquiring a player like Jonathan Kuminga in return would be a significant step in that direction. Kuminga, a high-upside forward with elite athleticism and flashes of two-way potential, has shown signs of becoming a breakout star. His growth in the 2024 season included stretches where he averaged over 20 points per game, demonstrating his ability to take on more offensive responsibility. However, his role in Golden State has fluctuated due to roster depth and the presence of veterans like Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green.
Reports suggest that the Warriors are open to exploring sign-and-trade scenarios involving Kuminga, especially if it allows them to acquire a more consistent guard presence like Dosunmu. From Golden State’s perspective, trading Kuminga is not an easy decision. He represents the most valuable young asset on the roster and has shown strong chemistry with Curry and Green in stretches. However, with his restricted free agency looming, the Warriors risk either overpaying to retain him or losing him for nothing if another team makes a substantial offer. A sign-and-trade to Chicago would mitigate that risk and allow the Warriors to receive a ready-to-contribute piece in return.
The structure of such a deal would need to address financial regulations, particularly base-year compensation rules that affect sign-and-trade transactions. Kuminga, if signed to a contract starting around \$22 million annually, would only count as about half that value in trade matching purposes due to NBA salary cap rules. This could make Dosunmu and potentially another low-cost young player or future draft pick a viable package. Chicago, meanwhile, would gain a high-ceiling forward who can anchor their rebuild alongside emerging guards like Coby White and Josh Giddey.
It’s also important to consider that the Warriors have been linked to several Bulls guards over the past year. Zach LaVine, a two-time All-Star, has often been mentioned in trade speculation involving Golden State. His high salary and injury history, however, make him a risky acquisition. While LaVine offers elite scoring potential, his fit alongside Curry and Klay Thompson has raised questions, especially on the defensive end. Coby White, another Bulls guard, has also attracted interest after a breakout season where he showcased improved efficiency and playmaking. Still, Dosunmu’s lower price tag and defensive chops make him a more realistic target for a team looking to add depth without mortgaging the future.
From Chicago’s perspective, moving Dosunmu might seem counterintuitive given his steady development and value. However, they must also consider long-term roster construction. If they believe Kuminga has All-Star potential, trading a mid-tier guard to secure him makes strategic sense. The Bulls are not expected to contend for a title in the immediate future, and adding Kuminga would align them with a younger timeline. Additionally, Dosunmu will be due for a new contract soon, and it remains unclear whether Chicago views him as a long-term starter or more of a rotational piece.
For the Warriors, adding Dosunmu isn’t just about on-court fit—it’s about long-term planning. The team is clearly navigating a delicate balance between contending in the present and preparing for the future. Curry remains the engine of the franchise, but he’s now 37 years old, and the supporting cast around him has shown signs of decline. Andrew Wiggins has had an up-and-down stretch, Draymond Green remains effective but is aging, and Klay Thompson’s departure to Dallas leaves a sizable gap on both ends of the floor. Incorporating younger players who can grow within the system while contributing immediately is critical. Dosunmu checks many of those boxes.
This potential trade also raises philosophical questions about the Warriors’ identity. Once the epitome of homegrown development and internal cohesion, the team now faces a crossroads where it must retool around its core or risk falling behind. The NBA landscape is shifting rapidly, with teams like the Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Oklahoma City Thunder ascending with younger, more athletic rosters. Golden State’s recent lack of bench production and inconsistent defense have highlighted the need for fresh legs and dynamic perimeter defenders.
If the Warriors pull the trigger on this trade, they would gain a player who embodies many of the characteristics that defined their early dynasty years: defensive grit, unselfish play, and versatility. Dosunmu isn’t a superstar, but he doesn’t have to be. His role would be to stabilize the second unit, provide support when Curry sits, and give Kerr another tool to experiment with different lineups. In a playoff setting, he could be trusted to defend opposing guards, make smart reads, and hit timely shots.
The path forward depends on the front offices involved. Chicago must decide whether Kuminga’s upside outweighs Dosunmu’s current contributions. Golden State must determine if it is ready to part with one of its most talented young players for a more immediate fit. Both teams are under pressure to move quickly, with training camp around the corner and roster decisions needing clarity. If talks progress and a deal is finalized, this could be one of the more quietly impactful moves of the offseason.
Ultimately, the rumored interest in Dosunmu reflects Golden State’s desire to remain relevant without overcommitting financially. It also shows that the Bulls are open to reshaping their core around younger, more dynamic talent. Whether this trade happens or not, it signals a changing tide in the NBA. The Warriors are no longer the team with the deepest roster and the most continuity—they’re adapting, adjusting, and if reports are accurate, making calculated decisions to stay ahead of the curve. Dosunmu may not be the final piece, but he could be a vital one as Golden State looks to evolve without rebuilding.
