LA Clippers Depth Chart: How does team lineup look with Kris Dunn's $17 million signing?
The Los Angeles Clippers acquired Kris Dunn from the Utah Jazz in a sign-and-deal trade involving Russell Westbrook, as per Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes. The agreed contract is a three-year, $17 million deal, bringing in a capable defender at the guard position with a reliable jumper from beyond the arc.
His addition to the roster also strengthens the team's defensive identity while not placing the depth in jeopardy.
How does the team lineup look with Kris Dunn's $17 million signing? Dunn will be a backup point guard to 10-time NBA All-Star James Harden. Originally, Westbrook was the team's energizer once the second unit was brought onto the floor.
With a more balanced offensive depth while adding more defensive versatility in Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum and now Kris Dunn, the Clippers' front office has assembled a deep roster for the coming 2024-25 season.
Paul George's departure does create more pressure and responsibility on James Harden to increase his offensive production and efficiency to back up the efforts of Kawhi Leonard.
Former Clippers guard to possibly sign with the Denver Nuggets
The Clippers acquired Russell Westbrook on Feb. 20, 2023, after his contract buyout with the Lakers. He provided quality production at the guard spot, which was a headache to solve previously due to the team's lack of a reliable playmaker.
In his final season with LA, he moved to the bench in order to improve the team's chemistry following the acquisition of James Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers. He thrived in this role as he averaged 11.1 points (shooting 45.4% from the field and 27.3% from beyond the arc), 5.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game.
After ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported on the move involving Westbrook being sent to the Jazz, the 2017 MVP is "expected to agree on a contract buyout." It will then open the door for a Nuggets acquisition.
There were previous reports circulating in the offseason about the former Clippers guard drawing interest in Denver. With the 2023 NBA Champions losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Orlando Magic, it presented a challenge for the franchise's front office to improve the team's depth.
After the disappointing second-round exit to the Timberwolves in the 2023 playoffs, their inexperienced bench unit was put to the test. It highlighted a crucial weakness that needed to be addressed.
If Denver were to secure a deal to acquire Russell Westbrook, then a similar production from his tenure with the Clippers can be expected. This is no longer the same high-octane offensive player from his days with the OKC Thunder as injuries have hampered his production.
At the same time, the Nuggets are in a situation where they could use an energetic athlete with the willingness to play any role given to them.