As the NBA trade deadline inches closer, the New York Knicks are in a familiar spot-competitive, intriguing, and just one savvy move away from taking that next step. One potential target flying a bit under the radar?
Kris Dunn. And if the LA Clippers decide to pivot toward selling, Dunn could be exactly the kind of defensive-minded guard the Knicks have been missing.
Let’s be clear: the Knicks don’t need another high-usage scorer. Jalen Brunson is doing MVP-caliber work night in and night out, and the offense flows through him.
But what they could use is a guard who defends with purpose, hits open threes, and brings a level of toughness that fits right into Tom Thibodeau’s defensive DNA. That’s where Dunn comes in.
Kris Dunn’s Resurgence and Fit in New York
Dunn’s NBA journey hasn’t been linear. After a rocky start to his career, he’s found new life as a dependable 3-and-D guard.
He’s not going to light up the scoreboard, but that’s not what the Knicks would be asking of him. What he brings is defensive intensity, smart decision-making, and a reliable outside shot-exactly the kind of glue-guy traits that can make a difference in the postseason.
This season with the Clippers, Dunn has been steady. He’s appeared in 28 games, starting 22 of them, and logging over 26 minutes per night.
His averages-8.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.5 steals per game-don’t jump off the page, but dig a little deeper and the impact is clear. He’s shooting 50% from the field and nearly 39% from three on close to three attempts per game.
Efficient, low-maintenance, and effective.
And defensively? Dunn remains one of the more underrated perimeter stoppers in the league.
He’s not just a pest-he’s a problem for opposing guards. He can switch, he fights through screens, and he plays with the kind of edge that would make him an instant fan favorite at Madison Square Garden.
Why the Knicks Should Make the Call
The Knicks’ backcourt depth has been tested this season. Brunson has been phenomenal, but beyond him, it’s been a bit of a revolving door.
Miles McBride has shown promise but has dealt with injuries. Tyler Kolek had a strong NBA Cup showing, and Jordan Clarkson has had his moments, but consistency has been elusive.
Dunn wouldn’t be expected to carry the offense. In fact, his best role might be as a defensive complement to Brunson in two-guard lineups or as a steadying presence with the second unit. His ability to guard top-tier perimeter threats would give Mike Brown more flexibility with his rotations-especially when the playoffs tighten up and every possession matters.
And the cost? That’s the other part of the equation.
Guerschon Yabusele hasn’t been a regular part of the rotation, and the Knicks are operating under tight financial constraints. Packaging Yabusele and a draft asset for Dunn would be a low-risk, high-reward move-especially if the Clippers are looking to shed pieces and recalibrate.
Bottom Line
Kris Dunn isn’t a headline-grabbing name, but he checks a lot of boxes for what this Knicks team needs heading into the stretch run. He defends at a high level, spaces the floor just enough to keep defenses honest, and brings a veteran presence without needing the ball in his hands.
If the Clippers are open for business, the Knicks should absolutely be calling. Dunn won’t change the identity of this team-but he could be the kind of under-the-radar addition that helps them win a playoff series. And in a crowded Eastern Conference, that kind of edge could make all the difference.