Kris Dunn is at a pivotal point in his career with the Clippers. His $5.7 million salary for the next season is currently non-guaranteed, but it could become fully guaranteed if he makes an All-Defensive team or remains on the roster past June 30, 2026.
Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue was asked about the responsibility of ensuring players with contract incentives have a fair shot at achieving them. Dunn missed out on All-Defensive consideration last season despite playing 74 regular season games because he didn't log enough minutes to qualify for major postseason awards.
Lue was clear about his stance: "He’s going to be guaranteed regardless. As long as I’m here, I want KD," he stated.
"He means a lot to the team. Everything he brings: His unselfishness, who he is as a person.
He’s just a winner; he does all the winning things. So whether he makes an All-Defensive team or not, which I hope he does for him, he’ll be here next season."
Dunn, who just turned 32, is having a solid season, averaging 7.7 points, 3.6 assists, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game while shooting .480/.379/.773 in 27.6 minutes. He hasn't missed a game this season and is already eligible for All-Defensive team consideration, though the final decision rests with the voters.
In other Pacific Division news, Stephen Curry was slated for a scrimmage with the Warriors but wasn’t quite ready to take that step in his recovery. According to Anthony Slater of ESPN, Curry didn’t experience any setbacks; instead, he continued on-court work and rehab with Rick Celebrini. On a positive note, Moses Moody and Kristaps Porzingis both returned to action on Monday against Dallas.
The Kings announced that rookie Nique Clifford has a mild midfoot sprain following an MRI. Clifford, who was injured in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s win over Brooklyn, will be out for at least a week. Meanwhile, Killian Hayes also underwent an MRI, which showed inflammation in his left toe, and he's considered day-to-day.
The Lakers faced a tough game in Detroit without Rui Hachimura and Marcus Smart. Hachimura is dealing with a right calf contusion, and his MRI came back clean, according to head coach JJ Redick.
Smart suffered a right ankle sprain and a right hip injury during the win at Orlando. Both players are day-to-day, Redick confirmed.