Timberwolves rumors: Ayo Dosunmu’s free agency return could require heartbreaking trade sacrifice

After being eliminated from the playoffs by the San Antonio Spurs in six games in the second round, the Minnesota Timberwolves have some big decisions to make to address the roster. From the sounds of it, the club wants to keep Ayo Dosunmu instead of letting him enter free agency, but rumors speculate that decision may force the front office to trade away a fan favorite player.

With the 26-year-old guard serving as a prolific option off the bench, the Timberwolves are reportedly interested in bringing Dosunmu back for the long haul, according to Tim Bontemps of ESPN. But considering Dosunmu will likely fetch a decent-sized contract, the franchise may have to trade Donte DiVincenzo to avoid the second luxury tax apron.

“Minnesota simply cannot afford to let Dosunmu walk,” said Bontemps. “That’s why sources around the league expect he will be back with the Wolves, but for a price slightly above the midlevel exception (roughly $15 million), which is what most rival teams could offer. Doing so might require Minnesota to move off DiVincenzo, who will miss at least most of next season with a torn right Achilles, to avoid going into the second luxury tax apron.”

Although DiVincenzo played magnificently for the Timberwolves over the past two seasons, the eight-year veteran won’t be available for most of next season due to the Achilles injury he suffered during the club’s 112-96 Game 4 win over the Denver Nuggets. It’s not an ideal situation, but it is a decision the front office may have to make during the offseason.

At the very least, if Ayo Dosunmu returns to the Timberwolves, the five-year veteran could be in line for an even bigger role with the team. Dosunmu is coming off arguably the best season of his career, averaging 14.8 points (career-high), 3.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game while shooting 51.7% from the field and 43.9% from beyond the three-point line.

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