Before the season kicked off, the LA Clippers probably had plans to trade Kris Dunn at the deadline. Why is that? He’s 31 years old and on a team-friendly, expiring contract worth $5.6 million, so the Clippers could easily get multiple second-round picks, if not a first. This type of move is especially valuable to a team that is in desperate need of draft capital, like the Clippers.
However, Dunn has taken it upon himself to prove he deserves a long-term extension by playing out of this world on both sides of the ball. He’s currently averaging 9.7 points, 6.0 assists, 4.3 rebounds, 3.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks, shooting 61.1% from the field and 40.0% from beyond the arc.
This includes his impressive night against the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he would’ve been the MVP if the Clippers had won, with 15 points, six assists, four rebounds, five steals, and two blocks.
The Clippers must extend Kris Dunn, even if he doesn’t fit into their timeline
While the logic behind moving on from Kris Dunn solely because of the circumstances, and the organization's focus on youth, is totally understandable, he is proving to the LA Clippers that he deserves an extension.
On one end, Dunn is proving he's more than a spot-up shooter, as he has been over the years. The former fifth overall pick is moving off the ball, attacking the paint, and making plays at a very high level for those around him.
Then you look at the other end of the floor, where he’s made a living, and it’s hard not to be convinced that the Clippers will pay him over the next few seasons.
Dunn isn't just making Darius Garland’s life ten times easier by taking the tougher matchups; he is pretty much locking up whoever he’s guarding.
He had a massive role in Darius Acuff Jr.'s 5-for-24 debut, Luka Doncic's 8-for-21, and 11 turnovers, and he limited many of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s key players.
Additionally, if the Clippers worry he won’t fit into the youth movement, they shouldn’t. He’s definitely not considered young for an NBA player, but he can still help develop players with his voice, leadership, and mindset.
Guys like him are always crucial, even in the midst of a rebuild.
That said, the Clippers should be looking to extend Dunn. He’s truly earned it, and as the season progresses, we’ll see why.
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