The Toronto Raptors have just one open roster spot left following the decision to release wing Joe Wieskamp. While the most obvious way to fill that sport could involve signing Jeff Dowtin to a proper NBA contract, the Raptors may have a trick or two up their sleeve that involves money being thrown around.
One of the few free agents still on the market that can make a legitimate difference in a potential playoff team’s rotation is Ayo Dosunmu, a restricted free agent who has spent his last two seasons with his hometown Chicago Bulls. His style of play fits the Raptors’ ethos.
The idea of returning to the Bulls is looking less likely with each passing day, and that could lead teams like the Raptors to get back into the market for the former Illinois Fighting Illini star. According to Dan Bernstein of 670 The Score Radio in Chicago, Dosunmu is as good as gone.
Not only did Bernstein say that Dosunmu is likely going to be playing somewhere else next season, but he hinted that the Raptors are a “likely option” for him. While the Raptors don’t have the space to take him on just yet, they could wheel and deal enough to create an opening.
https://twitter.com/670TheScore/status/1681337559681581057
Will the Toronto Raptors sign Ayo Dosunmu?
Chris Boucher, Thad Young, and Otto Porter Jr. are three veteran contracts that face the prospect of reduced minutes in the 2023 season. Trading one of them could clear up enough space in the short term to entice Dosunmu to leave the only professional home he has known.
Dosunmu has averaged 8.7 points and 2.9 assists per game in his two years with the Bulls, though his production flatlined after his 3-point percentage dropped. Toronto will likely need to get him back on the right track in that area to milk value out of him.
In the right role, Dosunmu could provide value for a much-maligned bench. Capable of playing both guard spots and defending well on-ball consistently, the Raptors have lacked a guard with his combination of size and defensive edge for quite some time. A multi-year contract could be in the works for him.
The Raptors have reportedly shown interest in Ayo Dosunmu pic.twitter.com/WLOksCWwe9
— Yahoo Sports Canada (@YahooCASports) July 19, 2023
Dosunmu would require a substantial financial investment, which might be a bit odd for a team that just signed Dennis Schroder to fill largely the same role, but Ujiri should always try to add quality players with high ceilings to this island of misfit toys in Toronto.