Timberwolves Add Dosunmu In Bold NBA Trade Shakeup

The Minnesota Timberwolves have made their intentions clear: they’re not just content to hang around the playoff picture—they want to make some serious noise in the Western Conference. On February 5, 2026, the Timberwolves executed a bold trade, acquiring guard Ayo Dosunmu from the Chicago Bulls in a move designed to inject more scoring punch into their already competitive lineup as the NBA’s playoff race heats up.

It’s a deal that could have ripple effects across the league, especially considering the crowded Western Conference standings. The Timberwolves, sitting at 32-20 and in fifth place as of February 5, sent their 2024 first-round draft pick Rob Dillingham, reserve forward Leonard Miller, and a hefty package of four second-round picks to Chicago. In exchange, Minnesota landed Dosunmu and forward Julian Phillips, both of whom are expected to shore up a bench that’s been in need of offensive firepower.

Dosunmu, now 26, is in the final year of a contract that pays him around $7.5 million—a bargain for a player hitting career highs. Since being drafted by his hometown Bulls in the second round of 2021, Dosunmu’s role has fluctuated, but this season he’s found another gear. He’s averaging a career-best 15 points per game and shooting a sizzling 45.1% from beyond the arc. That kind of efficiency is exactly what the Timberwolves have been lacking off their bench. With 164 starts in 324 career games, Dosunmu brings both experience and flexibility to a Minnesota squad eager for a deep postseason run.

The trade comes just days after Minnesota parted ways with veteran point guard Mike Conley, sending him to the Bulls in a separate deal. Conley’s leadership and poise had been hallmarks of the Timberwolves’ recent campaigns, but with his production dipping, the front office decided it was time to look to the future. Interestingly, Conley’s journey didn’t stop in Chicago—he was quickly flipped, along with guard Coby White, to the Charlotte Hornets. There’s already speculation swirling that if the Hornets buy out Conley’s contract, he could make a surprise return to Minnesota for the stretch drive. But for now, the Timberwolves are placing their bets on Dosunmu’s scoring and versatility.

“We needed more offense off the bench, and Ayo brings exactly that,” said a person with knowledge of the deal, as reported by The Associated Press. The urgency is palpable: Minnesota’s front office knows that every game counts in the cutthroat West, where a single hot streak—or cold spell—can dramatically alter the playoff landscape.

Rob Dillingham, the main asset headed to Chicago, was the eighth pick out of Kentucky prior to last season. At just 21, Dillingham has shown flashes of potential but struggled to earn consistent minutes behind established veterans. Averaging 3.5 points, 1.7 assists, and 9.3 minutes over 35 games this season, he simply hasn’t developed into the true point guard the Timberwolves hoped for—especially as Conley’s production waned. Leonard Miller, another part of the package, had been a deep reserve, rarely seeing significant action.

This aggressive move comes on the heels of one of the Timberwolves’ most thrilling victories of the season. On February 4, Minnesota staged a dramatic rally to defeat the Toronto Raptors 128-126 in a game that showcased the team’s grit and resilience. Anthony Edwards was the star of the night, pouring in 30 points—including a jaw-dropping 21 in the second half—to spark the comeback. Jaden McDaniels chipped in 19 points, while Rudy Gobert anchored the interior with a double-double: 12 rebounds and 10 points.

The game in Toronto wasn’t just a testament to Minnesota’s offensive firepower; it also highlighted their ability to lock in defensively when it mattered most. After giving up 72 points in the first half, the Timberwolves clamped down, outrebounding the Raptors 20-15 in the final two quarters and forcing nine turnovers down the stretch. The Raptors, who led by as many as 18, saw their offense stall under Minnesota’s pressure. Toronto’s Scottie Barnes managed a double-double with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists, tying Pascal Siakam for fifth on the Raptors’ all-time double-doubles list with 102. But it wasn’t enough.

One of the game’s defining moments came with just over two minutes left. Edwards stripped Toronto’s RJ Barrett and raced downcourt for a breakaway dunk, giving Minnesota their first lead since the opening quarter. On the next possession, Gobert picked Barrett’s pocket again, drawing a foul and helping seal the win. Toronto’s hot shooting from deep—15-for-31, or 48.4%—wasn’t enough to counter the Timberwolves’ relentless second-half surge.

With the win, Minnesota improved to 32-20, keeping them firmly in the Western Conference playoff picture. The Timberwolves were set to host the New Orleans Pelicans next, a matchup that could further clarify their postseason prospects.

The arrival of Dosunmu and Phillips is expected to give head coach Chris Finch more options as he manages minutes and rotations down the stretch. Dosunmu’s ability to create his own shot and stretch defenses will likely open up more driving lanes for Edwards and McDaniels, while Phillips’ energy and athleticism could be a spark on both ends of the floor. It’s a calculated gamble, but one that signals Minnesota’s intent: this team isn’t just content with making the playoffs—they want to make a run.

The deal also underscores a broader trend in the NBA, where teams on the playoff bubble are increasingly aggressive at the trade deadline. The Timberwolves’ willingness to part with multiple draft picks and a recent lottery selection like Dillingham reflects the high stakes of the modern NBA, where windows of contention can open and close in the blink of an eye.

For the Bulls, this trade marks another step in their ongoing rebuild. Dillingham, while unproven, offers upside as a young guard with scoring instincts, and the haul of draft picks gives Chicago flexibility for future moves. Leonard Miller, though less heralded, could develop into a useful rotation piece if given time and opportunity.

As the Timberwolves gear up for the final months of the regular season, all eyes will be on how quickly Dosunmu and Phillips can acclimate to their new surroundings—and whether Minnesota’s bet on instant offense pays off. With the Western Conference as competitive as ever, the margin for error is razor-thin. But if Wednesday night’s comeback in Toronto was any indication, this Timberwolves squad has both the talent and the tenacity to make things interesting.

The playoff race is tightening, the roster is evolving, and Minnesota’s ambitions are clear: they’re all in for 2026. Fans won’t have to wait long to see how this revamped lineup fares, with the Pelicans coming to town and the postseason looming ever closer.