Clippers Should Trade Kris Dunn While His Value Is Rising

The Clippers’ win over the Pelicans snapped their losing streak, but they remain near the bottom of the West at 2-7. With the conference highly competitive, the team may struggle to reach the playoffs even when injured players return, making a sell-off before the trade deadline a possibility.

Dunn could attract interest from other teams, as could Max Strus, Brook Lopez, Derrick Jones Jr. and Rui Hachimura. In particular, Kris Dunn may draw more attention than expected as his performance has improved this season.

The 32-year-old guard has played every game, averaging 9.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2.6 steals. He is shooting 39.1% from three-point range and has a 63.6% true shooting percentage. Last season, he also appeared in all 82 games, averaging 7.3 points and 1.6 steals while shooting 37.4% from three.

His defensive impact stands out: the Clippers’ defense has been 20.1 points per 100 possessions better with him on the floor than without him. Dunn is earning $5.7 million on an expiring contract, making him a relatively inexpensive short-term option for a team seeking help for a playoff run.

The Clippers could trade him rather than risk losing him for nothing when his contract expires in 2027. His next contract may be less favorable as he gets older, but his current form could strengthen the return if the team waits closer to the deadline.