Before the regular season began, the LA Clippers would’ve been lucky to obtain a first-round pick in exchange for Kris Dunn. The veteran guard might be on an inexpensive, expiring contract, but he's raised a few concerns over the years, particularly on the offensive end of the floor. Teams around the league would probably avoid parting with a valuable draft asset unless there were something else in it for them.
Now, nearly ten games in, the conversation has changed entirely. The LA Clippers should make it mandatory that they trade at least one unprotected, or lightly protected, first to land Dunn. Why? Because he’s been playing at a ridiculous level defensively while also posting a career-high rate in playmaking and scoring.
The LA Clippers need a first-round pick to move on from Kris Dunn
We’ve already seen enough; Kris Dunn should only leave the LA Clippers at the trade deadline if the return includes a first-round pick. Only a select number of role players around the league are worth it, and Dunn has made it clear as day that he is one of them. In all honesty, the Clippers would demand more, but his age (32, 33 before the season ends) is a drawback.
Offensively, his numbers are strong: 8.5 points and 4.5 assists, shooting 50.0% from the field and 35.0% from beyond the arc. He also has the best assist-to-turnover ratio (2.57) and net rating (2.0) on the Clippers among players who have played at least five games.
On the other side of the court, defensively, Dunn has a real argument for being the best guard-defender in basketball.
Currently, Dunn is second in the league in steals (22) and deflections (43). You know who is first? Dyson Daniels, a starter for the Atlanta Hawks, who has played in three more games than the Clippers guard.
If LA was winning games, at even an average rate, there is no doubt Dunn would be in the conversation for Defensive Player of the Year. That’s how good he’s been, but because the Clippers are 1-7, the media has overlooked the veteran.
That said, the first question the Clippers need to ask those interested in Dunn is whether a first will be included. If a team says no, the phone should be hung up immediately, with no questions asked. He’s far too good a player to settle for any less.
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