Kris Dunn Bio
Kristofer Michael Dunn, known professionally as Kris Dunn, is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Clippers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). A versatile guard listed at 6 feet 3 inches and 205 pounds, he has built a reputation as a tough defender and a playmaker across both college and professional basketball. Over the course of his career, Dunn has suited up for seven different organizations, including the Minnesota Timberwolves, Chicago Bulls, and Atlanta Hawks. He now enters a new chapter in Los Angeles as a steady veteran presence in the backcourt.
Early Life and Background
Kristofer Michael Dunn was born on March 18, 1994, in New London, Connecticut, a small coastal city along the Thames River. Growing up in New London, he developed a love for basketball at a young age and quickly emerged as one of the most dominant high school players in the region. He attended New London High School, where he wore the Whalers’ colors and captained one of the most talented teams in school history.
During his junior year in 2010–11, Dunn averaged an impressive 26.5 points, 10 rebounds, 5 steals, and 5 assists per game while leading New London to a perfect 27–0 record and the Connecticut Class L State Championship. In his senior season the following year, he surpassed the 2,000-point mark for his high school career and was ranked the number 24 player in the entire country. He was also recognized as the top high school prospect in the state of Connecticut, earning McDonald’s All-American and first-team Parade All-American honors in 2012. He announced his commitment to Providence College in August 2011, choosing the Friars over several other Division I programs.
Path to Basketball
Dunn’s path to professional basketball began with a rough start at Providence College. Shortly after arriving on campus, he tore his labrum in June 2012 and underwent shoulder surgery, delaying his freshman debut until late December. He played 25 games in his first season, averaging 5.7 points per game, before suffering another shoulder injury the following December that forced him to miss the rest of his sophomore year after just four appearances.
Healthy again in 2014–15, Dunn announced himself as one of the best players in college basketball. He earned Big East Player of the Year and Big East Defensive Player of the Year honors, leading the conference in assists and steals while averaging 15.6 points per game. In 2015–16, he repeated as both Big East Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, was named a Consensus second-team All-American, and was a finalist for the Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year Award. After his redshirt junior season, Dunn declared for the 2016 NBA draft, graduating from Providence with his college degree.
Kris Dunn Career
Early Career (2016–2017)
On June 23, 2016, the Minnesota Timberwolves selected Dunn with the fifth overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft, making him one of the highest-drafted point guards of his class. He signed his rookie-scale contract in July and joined the team for summer league, where he scored a team-high 27 points in his debut. A concussion limited him to just two summer league games, but he opened the regular season on October 26 with eight points off the bench against the Memphis Grizzlies.
By November 1, 2016, Dunn had earned his first NBA start, recording 10 points, six assists, and five steals in a 116–80 win over Memphis. He posted a season-best 15 points on 6-for-7 shooting against the San Antonio Spurs on December 6, 2016. Although he showed flashes of two-way potential, his rookie year was a learning experience as the Timberwolves finished near the bottom of the Western Conference standings.
Chicago Bulls Era (2017–2020)
On June 22, 2017, Dunn was traded to the Chicago Bulls as part of a package headlined by Jimmy Butler going to Minnesota. His first season in Chicago was slowed by a preseason finger dislocation, but he still managed to record a career-high 22 points against the Charlotte Hornets on November 17, 2017. A month later, on December 26, 2017, he joined Michael Jordan as the only Bulls player in history to post at least 20 points, 12 assists, four steals, and two blocks in a single game against the Milwaukee Bucks. He also set a new career high of 32 points against the Dallas Mavericks on January 5, 2018.
In 2018–19, Dunn missed the start of the season for the birth of his first child and later battled a sprained MCL. He returned in December 2018 and went on to record a season-high 26 points and 13 assists in an overtime win over the Washington Wizards on March 20, 2019. In 2019–20, he finished eleventh in voting for the NBA All-Defensive Team, an indication of his elite perimeter defense, despite playing on a non-playoff Bulls squad.
Atlanta Hawks and Journeyman Years (2020–2024)
Dunn signed a two-year, $9.7 million contract with the Atlanta Hawks in November 2020, but injuries limited him to just nine games with the team. He was later traded to the Boston Celtics and then to the Memphis Grizzlies, who waived him before the 2021–22 season. He was acquired by the Agua Caliente Clippers in January 2022 and later signed a 10-day hardship contract with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he made his debut on March 14, 2022, and finished the season in Portland.
In November 2022, Dunn joined the Capital City Go-Go of the NBA G League, where he earned a spot on the 2023 NBA G League All-Defensive Team. His strong play earned him another NBA opportunity, and on February 22, 2023, he signed a 10-day contract with the Utah Jazz, eventually signing a multi-year deal on March 14, 2023, after reuniting with former Chicago teammate Lauri Markkanen. During the 2023–24 season, he received a two-game suspension in March 2024 for his role in an altercation with Houston’s Jabari Smith Jr.
Los Angeles Clippers Era (2024–Present)
On July 18, 2024, Dunn signed a three-year, $16.3 million contract with the Los Angeles Clippers through a sign-and-trade agreement that sent Russell Westbrook to Utah. The deal marked a fresh start for the veteran guard, who joined a Clippers team looking to compete in the Western Conference. His experience and defensive skill set made him an ideal fit as a backup guard behind the team’s established starters.
Driving Style and Strengths
Dunn is widely regarded as one of the better perimeter defenders of his generation, using his long frame, quick hands, and anticipation to disrupt opposing guards. He also possesses strong court vision and is comfortable initiating the offense in half-court sets. Coaches have praised his basketball IQ and his willingness to embrace a glue-guy role in recent seasons.
Notable Events and Milestones
From joining Michael Jordan in the Bulls’ record book to being selected fifth overall in a deep 2016 draft class, Dunn has built a career full of memorable performances. He has represented a winning presence on every roster he has joined, and his selection to the 2023 NBA G League All-Defensive Team underscored his enduring defensive impact.
Kris Dunn Career Wins
While Kris Dunn’s individual career has not been defined by league scoring titles, his impact has been measured by his defensive playmaking, his two Big East Player of the Year awards, and his longevity across the NBA. He has been a steady contributor on every roster he has joined since entering the league in 2016.
College Highlights
Dunn’s most decorated stretch came during his final two seasons at Providence, where he captured Big East Player of the Year in both 2015 and 2016. He also took home Big East Defensive Player of the Year honors in each of those seasons, was twice named first-team All-Big East, and was recognized as a Consensus second-team All-American in 2016. Earlier, in 2012, he was named a McDonald’s All-American and a first-team Parade All-American following his senior season at New London High School.
Other Wins and Performances
In the NBA, Dunn was named to the 2023 NBA G League All-Defensive Team while playing for the Capital City Go-Go, capping a strong G League campaign that helped him earn his return to the NBA with Utah.
Kris Dunn Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Although the Dunn family is not a well-known basketball lineage, his upbringing in New London, Connecticut, was central to his development as a player. The strong local support and tradition of the New London Whalers helped shape him into one of the most decorated prep players in state history.
Personal Life
On October 18, 2018, Dunn’s girlfriend gave birth to a son, and he has spoken about fatherhood as a meaningful part of his life. He keeps his personal life largely out of the public eye and is known for being a quiet, family-oriented presence in his team communities.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 NBA season, Kris Dunn is in the second year of his three-year deal with the Los Angeles Clippers. After joining via sign-and-trade in July 2024, he spent the previous season adjusting to a new system and a new conference. The Clippers are expected to rely on his defensive intensity and veteran poise as a backup guard off the bench.
With the 2025 campaign, Dunn has the opportunity to provide steady playmaking and on-ball defense in the backcourt. His experience in high-pressure playoff atmospheres with Chicago and Utah makes him a valuable piece for a Clippers team with championship aspirations. Consistency, health, and a defined role will be the keys to his success this year.
Looking ahead, Dunn’s contract runs through the 2026–27 season, giving him security and a clear runway to make an impact. If he can stay healthy and continue to defend at a high level, he has a strong chance of carving out a meaningful role on a deep Clippers roster and contributing to a deep postseason run.
