{"id":676260,"date":"2026-03-24T12:21:18","date_gmt":"2026-03-24T12:21:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/676260\/"},"modified":"2026-03-24T12:21:18","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T12:21:18","slug":"ty-lue-addresses-clippers-upcoming-kris-dunn-contract-decision","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/676260\/","title":{"rendered":"Ty Lue Addresses Clippers’ Upcoming Kris Dunn Contract Decision"},"content":{"rendered":"

At one point, Los Angeles Clippers guard Kris Dunn<\/a> looked like he was going to be a bust. Selected fifth overall in the 2016 NBA Draft, he averaged a mediocre 3.8 points per game for the Minnesota Timberwolves as a rookie. He was then traded to Chicago Bulls, where he began to conflagrate. Over the next two seasons, his physical tools and playmaking instincts buoyed averages of 12.4 points, 6.0 assists and 1.8 steals per game.<\/p>\n

However, Dunn was routinely forced out of the lineup due to injury. Between the 2018-19 and 2020-21 seasons, he was diagnosed with (i) a moderate MCL sprain<\/a>, (ii) cartilage disruption<\/a> in his right knee, and (iii) loose cartilage<\/a> in his right ankle. He played just 101 games during that three seasons stretch. Now having to prove that he could stay healthy as well as perform, he had to take a circuitous route filled with G League and 10-day contracts to get back in the mix. Since 2023, he hasn\u2019t looked back.<\/p>\n

Clippers HC Ty Lue: \u2018As Long As I\u2019m Here, I Want Kris Dunn\u2019<\/p>\n

After being acquired (via sign-and-trade<\/a>) in 2024, Dunn\u2019s started in 127 of the 153 games he\u2019s played for the Clippers. His defensive acumen allowed him to complement James Harden<\/a> (who has a negative reputation at that end) in the backcourt. However, even when he\u2019s coming off the bench, he\u2019s left his imprint on the game.<\/p>\n

For that reason, Clippers head coach Ty Lue says that he wants Dunn around \u201cas long as I\u2019m here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Speaking to reporters about whether he feels a responsibility to ensure the potential 2025-25 NBA All-Defensive Team member\u2019s contract is guaranteed through next season (h\/t Justin Russo of Russo Writes), Lue quips: \u201cHe\u2019s gonna be guaranteed regardless.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s gonna be guaranteed regardless. \u2026 As long as I\u2019m here, I want KD,\u201d Lue replied.<\/p>\n

Kris Dunn\u2019s $5.7 million contract next season becomes guaranteed if he makes All-Defense. Asked Tyronn Lue about the responsibility of making sure guys have that opportunity to reach incentives: \u201cHe\u2019s gonna be guaranteed regardless. \u2026 As long as I\u2019m here, I want KD.\u201d pic.twitter.com\/cm9uZjy3BX<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Justin Russo (@FlyByKnite) March 24, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cHe means a lot to the team,\u201d he continues.\u201d Everything he brings: His unselfishness, who he stands for as a person. He\u2019s just a winner; he does all the winning things. And so whether he makes (an All-Defensive team) or not, which I hope he does for him, he\u2019ll be here (next season).\u201d<\/p>\n

The Value Of Availability<\/p>\n

If Dunn doesn\u2019t make the All-Defensive Team in 2025-26, which would automatically guarantee his contract for the 2026-27 season, it won\u2019t be because he\u2019s one of the players<\/a> in danger of missing out on an end-of-season accolade due to falling below the 65-game threshold.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

For the second consecutive season, the Providence product has played in at least 72 games. His availability definitely stands out in a league with teams that routinely use cryptic injury designations to keep players in street clothes. It\u2019s even more notable because L.A. has long been one of those teams.<\/p>\n

In fact, over the past two seasons, Dunn has played in 53 more games than Clippers cornerstone Kawhi Leonard<\/a>. Of course, that doesn\u2019t mean that Dunn is more important to the team than Leonard. Nonetheless, between his durability and his defense, it\u2019s difficult to quantify his value. He doesn\u2019t have to be the player that Los Angeles is building around to be part of their foundation.<\/p>\n

All the same, with just 450 standard contracts available (until expansion<\/a>), the NBA doesn\u2019t have the greatest job security. Furthermore, the league might drop the hammer<\/a> on Leonard and the Clippers for salary cap circumvention. If so, L.A.\u2019s little brother franchise could go from playoff contenders (pretenders?<\/a>) to lottery shoppers overnight.<\/p>\n

Keeping that in mind, Dunn turned 32 years old on March 18. With his age and his injury history, the Clippers could easily decide to move on from him if Leonard isn\u2019t part of the equation. Well, at least that was the case until Lue made his comments.<\/p>\n

\u00a9 Kirby Lee-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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