Kris Dunn's Path to Becoming One of Jazz’s Most Valuable Assets

The crowded group of starting point guard options for the Utah Jazz entering 2023 holds a variety of names. Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson, Talen Horton-Tucker, and even rookie Keyonte George have been mentioned as potential candidates to take on the role.

However, some have advocated for a case to start 2016 fifth-overall pick in Kris Dunn. He is signed to a non-guaranteed contract entering the 2023 season after appearing in 22 games for Utah at the end of last year.

Dunn was a highly-coveted prospect who was once even compared to John Wall by Bleacher Report when first drafted. While he has never quite been able to reach those lofty heights in his seven years played, he is now beginning to make a respectable name for himself in the league.

Dunn possesses perfect size for his position (6-3, 190 lbs, 6-9 wingspan), which he utilizes to his advantage on the defensive side of the ball. He’s been one of the top guard defenders across the association throughout his career. As of last season, his offensive game has also developed soundly with great efficiency across the board (53.7/47.2/77.4, 3.5 AST/TO%).

When adding these highly-desirable qualities together, you start to see the potential diamond in the rough Utah could have on hand.

Kris Dunn played 22 games for Utah last season, averaging;

13.2 PPG
60.6 TS%
47.2 3P%—1.6 3PA/g
5.6 APG
4.5 RPG

Excellent numbers and PHYSICAL on both ends. Perhaps most impressively, he shot 54.7% from floater range—6th highest in the NBA. Love a comeback story… pic.twitter.com/ugQyZYGIMK
— NBA University (@NBA_University) August 3, 2023

Still, there are a few glaring holes with Dunn. Of course, you wonder if this end-of-season flash in production is sustainable. The other concern comes with the long-term outlook of his fit on the roster. He will be 30 years old at the end of next March and due for a new contract next summer. The fit within the Jazz timeline is not super favorable.

It creates a dilemma for the Jazz going forward. The opportunity for Dunn to become a serviceable starter for next season is there, but how exactly does he fit into the team long-term?

This dilemma could inevitably lead to a situation similar to what we saw happen with players like Mike Conley and Jarred Vanderbilt's last trade deadline. The Jazz were then able to capitalize on the value and on-court production of contributing players to clear up some minutes for younger, higher-ceiling guys.

Therefore, if Kris Dunn establishes a role in the rotation early next season, selling off on that value at the deadline may be the best long-term decision. Especially considering the depth Utah has at the position, capitalizing on a valuable expiring deal in February is very Danny Ainge-like.

Many contending teams looking to make a playoff push will always value efficient two-way play and what Dunn would provide. Just last deadline, the Portland Trail Blazers managed to get a first-rounder, Cam Reddish, and Matisse Thybulle for dealing Josh Hart.

Kris Dunn is not quite the same caliber player as Josh Hart just yet, but you can start to see some parallels. Getting back a first-round pick or similar value is not an unrealistic return to expect, even without being signed to a lengthy deal.

If the Jazz can find a stable role for Dunn next season leading up to the trade deadline while production stays consistent with what we saw late last year, selling high on that value would be the best move. We know Danny Ainge’s infatuation with strategic deals and moves, and this could be just another one of his wise plays.

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