The Chicago Bulls are approaching a critical moment as they weigh their options on contract extensions, particularly regarding Ayo Dosunmu and Coby White, both entering the final year of their contracts. With the need to manage finances carefully, the Bulls must decide which guard to retain, while also focusing on securing Josh Giddey‘s future with the team this summer.

The front office faces a difficult roster crunch, as extending both White and Dosunmu is unlikely to be financially viable. K.C. Johnson, in a recent segment on the Chicago Lead, emphasized the urgency of making a move before both players become unrestricted free agents next year.

From my seat they’ve got to try to look to trade either Ayo [Dosunmu] or Coby [White],

Johnson said.

I think it will be very hard to re-sign both of them after next year when they both hit unrestricted free agency. You’ve got to get out in front of things like that…And, you’ve got to make these hard decisions, because you’re not going to be re-signing Josh Giddey this summer, and Ayo Dosunmu and Coby White after next summer. I just don’t see that.

—K.C. Johnson, NBA Analyst

While White has been one of the most impactful Bulls in recent seasons, Dosunmu remains an intriguing talent with potential the coaching staff is keen to explore. This internal competition heightens the tension within the roster, as delaying a decision risks one of the guards leaving without compensation.

Evaluating Lonzo Ball’s Role Amid Contract and Trade Considerations

Alongside the Dosunmu and White dilemma, the Bulls face choices regarding Lonzo Ball’s future. Last season, Chicago secured Ball with a two-year $20 million extension, including a team option for the second year, giving management some flexibility. However, the Bulls could decide to trade Ball if they receive strong interest, especially given uncertainties about his availability and performance.

Jovan Buha of The Athletic recently evaluated the possibility of Ball returning to the Los Angeles Lakers, highlighting the challenge of his contract value and health concerns during an episode of Buha’s Block.

I do, I think they would be,

Buha said.

It’s just a matter of what his price is and you have to factor in his health and the history there… you can’t even pencil him in for 60 games.

—Jovan Buha, Sports Journalist

In the past season, Ball appeared in just 35 games, averaging 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, while shooting 36.6% from the field and 34.4% on three-pointers. Concerns over his durability are a significant factor in Chicago’s decisions moving forward.

Potential Interest from Dallas Mavericks in Lonzo Ball Trade

NBA insider Marc Stein has mentioned that while the Dallas Mavericks might explore complicated trade options for players like Jrue Holiday, Ball presents a far more viable alternative for them to consider. This suggests Ball’s trade value remains relevant despite his recent injury issues.

League sources say Dallas is expected to at least explore whether there are any feasible trade pathways to Boston’s Jrue Holiday — complicated as that would likely be given the three years and $104 million still left on Holiday’s contract — while also maintaining an interest in a far more reasonable trade target as we’ve discussed on the DLLS Mavs podcast: Lonzo Ball,

Stein reported. —Marc Stein, NBA Insider

This possibility adds another layer of uncertainty to the Bulls’ roster decisions, as they juggle the futures of Ball, White, and Dosunmu. Each player‘s value and contract situation create a delicate balance between keeping talent on the court and acquiring future assets.

Ultimately, the next twelve months will be defining for Chicago’s rebuilding process. Decisions surrounding Ayo Dosunmu Bulls contract extension decision and whether to keep White or Dosunmu will shape the team’s guard rotation and financial planning. The Bulls front office will have to navigate these difficult choices carefully to avoid losing key players without return and maintain flexibility for future growth.