It’s far from a secret that the Minnesota Timberwolves are looking to add a point guard before the trade deadline. Of course, many of the rumors leading up to the February 5 deadline will center on big names. Nevertheless, a role player can be just as impactful, and there is probably no better-suited role player than Kris Dunn.
The Wolves drafted Dunn with the No. 5 pick in 2016. Dunn got off to a slow start to his career and Minnesota traded him after just one season as part of the Jimmy Butler trade. The Providence College product is the definition of a late bloomer; he only found his place in the NBA last season with the Los Angeles Clippers. Either way, he’s turned into a damn good player and would be an ideal fit for Wolves.
While the Clippers have been trending upward as of late, it’s still reasonable to believe Dunn could be available before the deadline.
The Timberwolves should target Kris Dunn before the trade deadline
When you look at the Wolves’ roster, it’s clear they need a well-rested guard. The need for playmaking will be a priority. But beyond that, spot-up shooting and perimeter defense are two skills the Wolves can use. Luckily, Dunn can offer a little bit of everything.
Dunn is best known for his elite perimeter defense. He is a suffocating defender on the ball who can shut down both the opponent’s guards and wings. Impressively, Dunn ranks in the 92nd percentile for defensive plus-minus per dunksandthrees. Additionally, Dunn is one of the most disruptive defensive playmakers in the league. Notably, he ranks in the 95th percentile for both steals and deflections per 100 possessions. Dunn’s instincts are truly remarkable, and he has a relentless energy that can turn a team upside down. These skills make Dunn one of the best defenders in the league, bar none.
For a Wolves team that has struggled in non-Rudy Gobert minutes and could use a perimeter defender to complement Jaden McDaniels, Dunn’s fit is clear.
Offensively, Dunn also has the ideal skill set for the Wolves. He is a steady ball handler and a connecting playmaker. Dunn has a solid assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.26 and would be a much-needed calming presence for the Wolves offense.
Don’t let Dunn’s average of 8.1 points per game fool you; he can score. Notably, he shoots 74 percent at the rim and 39.2 percent from three-point range. Dunn’s physicality around the rim would give the Wolves a different element. This sense of secondary scoring is all the Wolves need from their next guard, and it’s crucial that Dunn can provide it in multiple ways.
What would it take to get Dunn? As a high-end role player, his price would inherently be lower than other targets. Sure, the Clippers are on a five-game win streak, but they are also 12-21 this season. As the oldest roster in the league, the Clippers may appear to be getting a little younger at the deadline.
Trading Rob Dillingham or Terrence Shannon Jr., plus draft capital (which the Clippers desperately lack), could be enough for LA to move on from Dunn. Perhaps this would involve a three-team deal or the Wolves would have to give up more, but it remains possible they make a deal for Dunn.
Ultimately, Dunn should be an obvious trade for the Timberwolves, and his return to Minnesota would be fitting.
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