$17 Million for Three Years! Can 30-Year-Old Kris Dunn Be Revived?

The Los Angeles Clippers have made a series of moves this offseason, one of the most notable being the departure of Russell Westbrook. According to ESPN's insiders, the Clippers traded Westbrook, a second-round pick swap, and $4.3 million in cash to the Utah Jazz, receiving Kris Dunn in a sign-and-trade deal. As fans already know, Westbrook is expected to reach a buyout with the Jazz and then join the Denver Nuggets once he clears waivers. The Nuggets have shown interest in Westbrook since the beginning of the offseason, and their star player Nikola Jokic is a known fan of his.

Will Westbrook make the Nuggets better? It's hard to say for sure. Expectations should be tempered when it comes to a veteran on a minimum contract. Nonetheless, seeing the current and future triple-double kings team up is certainly exciting for fans.

This article, however, focuses on the other key player in this trade, Kris Dunn. Similar to the Nuggets' interest in Westbrook, the Clippers have had their eyes on Dunn for quite some time. Unlike Westbrook, who is expected to sign a minimum contract, Dunn secured a three-year, $17 million deal. This has raised some eyebrows among fans. How could Dunn be considered more valuable than Westbrook? And why a three-year contract?

Kris Dunn’s Journey

Kris Dunn, the fifth overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, has had a tumultuous career. His rookie season with the Minnesota Timberwolves was underwhelming, averaging only 3.8 points per game. After being traded to the Chicago Bulls in his second season, he showed promise by averaging 13.4 points per game. However, this period marked the beginning of his injury struggles. From the 2017-18 season to the 2021-22 season, Dunn played 52, 46, 51, 4, and 14 games respectively, suffering from knee, ankle, and back injuries along the way. He bounced around the league, playing for the Bulls, Atlanta Hawks, and Portland Trail Blazers.

In addition to his injury woes, Dunn's playing style seemed out of sync with the modern NBA. While he was twice named the Big East Defensive Player of the Year in college, his lack of a reliable three-point shot hindered his development into a 3-and-D player, which is highly valued in today’s game. Dunn's shooting struggles left him without a consistent role. In the 2021-22 season, he was traded from the Hawks to the Memphis Grizzlies, who subsequently waived him. He found himself in the G League, fighting for another chance.

The Turning Point

The pivotal moment in Dunn's career came when he signed a ten-day contract with the Utah Jazz at the end of the 2022-23 season. Given a chance to return to the NBA, Dunn seized the opportunity. He earned a second ten-day contract and eventually a full contract. In 22 games with the Jazz, Dunn averaged 13.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, shooting 53.7% from the field and an impressive 47.2% from three-point range. This performance revitalized his career.

Last season, Dunn continued to play for the Jazz, appearing in 66 games. His numbers dipped to 5.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.0 steals per game, but his defensive impact remained strong. He also maintained a respectable three-point shooting percentage of 36.9%. While his scoring dropped, this was more a result of his role change rather than a decline in ability.

Dunn’s Fit with the Clippers

Dunn’s signing with the Clippers for three years at $17 million has sparked debate. Does he really deserve such a contract? It’s clear that Dunn's defensive prowess and playmaking skills are assets, but his inconsistent shooting is a concern. Despite improving his three-point shooting percentage, he attempted only 1.7 three-pointers per game last season, a low volume for a guard in today's NBA. The Clippers' decision to include a team option for the third year of Dunn's contract reflects their cautious optimism.

The Clippers now have a crowded backcourt, with seven guards: James Harden, Terance Mann, Norman Powell, Bones Hyland, Kevin Porter Jr., Dunn, and Cameron Christie. This depth suggests that more moves are likely, with Mann and Hyland potential trade or waiver candidates.

Can Kris Dunn Be Revived?

Dunn's career has been a roller coaster of injuries, being waived, and fighting for roster spots in the G League. At 30 years old, he has another chance to prove himself in the NBA. The Clippers hope that his defensive skills and playmaking can bolster their roster. However, questions remain about his shooting and durability.

Dunn's journey from a top-five draft pick to struggling to find a place in the league is a testament to his resilience. His recent performances with the Jazz have shown that he still has the potential to contribute at a high level. The Clippers are betting on Dunn's ability to maintain his defensive intensity and improve his shooting consistency.

While the three-year, $17 million contract may seem like an overpayment to some, it reflects the Clippers' belief in Dunn's potential impact on both ends of the floor. His defensive capabilities, combined with his improved shooting, make him a valuable asset. However, Dunn must continue to develop his offensive game to fully justify his contract.

Conclusion

Kris Dunn's signing with the Clippers marks another chapter in his turbulent career. With a history of injuries and inconsistent play, Dunn faces the challenge of proving himself once again. The Clippers are giving him the opportunity to do so, betting on his defensive prowess and potential to improve his shooting. Whether Dunn can make the most of this opportunity and become a key player for the Clippers remains to be seen. His journey is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the NBA, where talent, opportunity, and perseverance intersect.