On Wednesday, The Stein Line's Jake Fischer reported that the Indiana Pacers and Chicago Bulls held discussions about a Bennedict Mathurin-for-Ayo Dosunmu swap. Fortunately for the Pacers, this no longer appears to be an option, saving them from what would have been a massive Mathurin mistake.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Bulls have traded Dosunmu to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday morning. The trade deadline is still just a few hours away (and a lot of crazier things have happened), so Mathurin could still be on the move. But at the very least, Pacers fans should feel happy that it's not going to be for Dosunmu.
The Pacers made the right call this time
I know it doesn't seem like it, but I actually am a big fan of Dosunmu's game. And funny enough, I think he would've been a good fit in Indiana.
In 45 games this season (including just 10 starts), the Chicago native has averaged 15 points, 3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists while shooting 51.4% from the field and 45.1% from beyond the arc.
Dosunmu is a fantastic bench scorer, which will be a crucial spot for the Pacers to fill if Mathurin is gone at some point soon, whether it be ahead of the trade deadline or in the offseason. Additionally, he plays very well in transition and can play in a fast-paced system, which bodes well in Indiana's offense, and he is a solid defender.
However, there were three main concerns I had about the Pacers possibly trading for Dosunmu.
First, he's an unrestricted free agent this summer. It's not like they would trade Mathurin (who they have a better chance of retaining due to his impending restricted free agent status) for someone who is under contract for the long haul. And if they were to lose Dosunmu in the offseason, they would be right back to square one, if not in an even worse position.
Second, this trade wouldn't have solved anything for Indiana. It doesn't make much of a short-term impact, and it does nothing to solve the team's center problems. If the Pacers are going to move on from the Canadian native, it's going to have to be for a center upgrade. And while Dosunmu is solid, he's not going to grow six inches overnight (probably).
And third, Mathurin has way, way more upside and is only going to get better from here on out. Dosunmu is good, but his highs aren't nearly as high as Mathurin's, and he's about three years older.
If the Pacers want to pursue the newest Timberwolves guard in the offseason, then be my guest. Again, he is very solid and could be a good fit with the team. But I've been a very big advocate for the team keeping Mathurin around unless the price is right. And Dosunmu, simply put, wasn't the right price.