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). Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 205 pounds, the New London, Connecticut native has built a reputation as one of the league’s most tenacious defensive guards since entering the NBA as the fifth overall pick in the 2016 draft. After a decorated career with the Providence Friars, Dunn has suited up for multiple franchises while continuing to contribute as a veteran point guard and perimeter defender.
Born on March 18, 1994, Dunn developed into a top-tier high school prospect before blossoming into a Big East star at Providence College. Across his professional career, he has played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks, Portland Trail Blazers, Capital City Go-Go, Utah Jazz, and Los Angeles Clippers, earning recognition for his passing, steals, and on-ball defense.
Early Life and Background
Kristofer Michael Dunn was born on March 18, 1994, in New London, Connecticut. He grew up in the coastal city and attended New London High School, where he emerged as one of the most dominant point guards in the state. During his junior year in 2010–11, Dunn averaged 26.5 points, 10 rebounds, 5 steals, and 5 assists per game, leading the Whalers to a 27–0 record and a Connecticut Class L State Championship victory over Northwest Catholic High School.
In his senior season of 2011–12, Dunn scored his 2,000th career point and guided New London High School to the semifinal round of the Connecticut Class LL State Championships, where they fell to St. Josephs High School. He was ranked the number 24 high school player in the country and the number 1 player in Connecticut, earning McDonald’s All-American and first-team Parade All-American honors in 2012. In August 2011, Dunn announced his commitment to Providence College.
Path to Basketball
Dunn tore his labrum in June 2012 and underwent shoulder surgery, delaying his freshman debut at Providence until late December. He played 25 games as a freshman and averaged 5.7 points per game, showing flashes of the two-way talent that would later define his career. On December 11, 2013, it was announced that Dunn would undergo another shoulder surgery and miss the remainder of his sophomore season after playing only four games.
Dunn returned from injury during the 2014–15 season and immediately re-established himself as a star, earning Big East Player of the Year and Big East Defensive Player of the Year. He averaged 15.6 points per game and led the Big East in both assists and steals per game. Choosing to return for the 2015–16 season with the goal of earning his degree, Dunn garnered numerous preseason accolades, including preseason Player of the Year honors. He was named Big East Player of the Week on January 4, 2016, after scoring 26 points against St. John’s and matching that output in a win over ninth-ranked Butler. On February 1, 2016, he was named one of 10 finalists for the Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year Award, and he was added to the 35-man midseason watchlist for the Naismith Trophy on February 11. Following his redshirt junior season, Dunn announced he would forgo his final year of eligibility and enter the 2016 NBA draft, and he graduated from Providence with his college degree.
Kris Dunn Career
Early Career (2016–2017)
Dunn was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the fifth overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft. On July 7, he signed his rookie-scale contract and joined the team for the 2016 NBA 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 made his regular season debut on October 26 against the Memphis Grizzlies, scoring eight points off the bench in a 102–98 loss. On November 1, he recorded 10 points, six assists, and five steals in his first career start, helping the Timberwolves defeat the Grizzlies 116–80, and on December 6, he posted a season-best 15 points on 6-for-7 shooting against the San Antonio Spurs.
Chicago Bulls Breakthrough (2017–2020)
On June 22, 2017, Dunn was traded, along with Zach LaVine and the rights to Lauri Markkanen, to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Jimmy Butler. A preseason finger dislocation delayed his Bulls debut until October 28, when he came off the bench and scored eight points against the Oklahoma City Thunder. On November 17, 2017, he scored a career-high 22 points in a 123–120 win over the Charlotte Hornets, and on December 9, he had 17 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds, sinking two free throws with 2.9 seconds left to lift the Bulls past the New York Knicks 104–102. On December 26, 2017, he joined Michael Jordan as the only Bulls player with at least 20 points, 12 assists, four steals, and two blocks in a game, reaching 20 points and 12 assists in 33 minutes against the Milwaukee Bucks. On January 5, 2018, Dunn scored a career-high 32 points in a 127–124 win over the Dallas Mavericks.
The 2018–19 season began with Dunn missing time for the birth of his first child before a sprained MCL sidelined him for nearly seven weeks. He returned on December 10 and scored 24 points three days later in a 98–93 win over the San Antonio Spurs, finishing the season with a 26-point, 13-assist effort in a 126–120 overtime win against the Washington Wizards on March 20. In 2019–20, Dunn finished eleventh in All-Defensive team voting, receiving four first-team votes and twenty-three second-team votes, the most of any player on a non-playoff team or competing in the Orlando bubble.
Atlanta Hawks, Portland, and G League Stint (2020–2023)
On November 28, 2020, Dunn signed with the Atlanta Hawks, but leg injuries limited him to four games and required surgery. On August 7, 2021, he was traded to the Boston Celtics in a three-team deal and then moved to the Memphis Grizzlies, who waived him on October 16. On January 11, 2022, Dunn was acquired via waivers by the Agua Caliente Clippers, and on March 14, 2022, he signed a 10-day contract with the Portland Trail Blazers through the hardship exception, making his debut the same day. He signed a rest-of-season contract on April 3, and on November 4, 2022, he was named to the opening night roster of the Capital City Go-Go, where he earned NBA G League All-Defensive Team honors in 2023.
Utah Jazz Era (2023–2024)
On February 22, 2023, Dunn signed a 10-day contract with the Utah Jazz, reuniting with former Bulls teammate Lauri Markkanen. He signed a second 10-day deal on March 4 and then signed a multi-year contract on March 14. On March 24, 2024, Dunn was suspended two games after initiating an altercation and throwing a punch at Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr.
Los Angeles Clippers Era (2024–Present)
On July 18, 2024, Dunn joined the Los Angeles Clippers in a sign-and-trade agreement that sent Russell Westbrook to the Utah Jazz, along with the draft rights to Balša Koprivica, a second-round pick swap, and cash considerations. He continues to serve as a veteran defensive presence and backup point guard for the Clippers.
Driving Style and Strengths
Kris Dunn has built his reputation on elite perimeter defense, ball-hawking instincts, and the ability to guard multiple positions at 6 feet 3 inches. He excels at generating steals, disrupting passing lanes, and applying full-court pressure, which has earned him Big East Defensive Player of the Year honors in college and a top-eleven All-Defensive team vote in the NBA. As a playmaker, he combines that defensive energy with reliable passing and steady floor leadership, allowing him to impact games even when his shot is not falling.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of Dunn’s most memorable performances came on December 26, 2017, when he joined Michael Jordan as the only Bulls player to record at least 20 points, 12 assists, four steals, and two blocks in a single game. He scored a career-high 32 points against the Dallas Mavericks on January 5, 2018, and his clutch free throws with 2.9 seconds left sealed a 104–102 win over the New York Knicks earlier that December. His selection as the fifth overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft and his 2023 NBA G League All-Defensive Team selection further underscore his career milestones.
Kris Dunn Career Wins
Kristofer Michael Dunn has accumulated team and individual success across both college and professional levels, highlighted by two Big East Player of the Year awards, two Big East Defensive Player of the Year awards, and two First-team All-Big East selections. In the NBA, he has contributed to winning efforts with the Chicago Bulls, Utah Jazz, and Los Angeles Clippers, while earning an NBA G League All-Defensive Team nod in 2023 with the Capital City Go-Go.
Providence Friars Highlights
At Providence, Dunn led the Friars to a Big East championship contention in 2014–15, earning both Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year while pacing the conference in assists and steals. He repeated as a First-team All-Big East selection in 2015–16 and was named a consensus second-team All-American in 2016, finishing as one of the top point guard prospects in the country.
Other Wins and Performances
During his senior year at New London High School, Dunn led the Whalers to a 27–0 record and the 2011 Connecticut Class L State Championship, capping one of the most dominant high school runs in state history. In the NBA, he has regularly produced double-digit scoring and assist totals as a starter, including a 26-point, 13-assist overtime win over the Washington Wizards on March 20, 2019, and a 24-point performance in a 98–93 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on December 15, 2018.
Kris Dunn Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Kristofer Michael Dunn was raised in New London, Connecticut, where he developed his basketball skills in a tight-knit community. He has credited his upbringing in the coastal city with shaping his competitive drive and defensive toughness on the court.
Personal Life
On October 18, 2018, Dunn’s girlfriend gave birth to a son, and he missed the first two games of the 2018–19 NBA season to be with his family for the birth. He has largely kept his personal life private while continuing his professional career in the NBA.
2025 Season Performance
Entering 2025, Kristofer Michael Dunn remains part of the Los Angeles Clippers rotation after being acquired in a July 2024 sign-and-trade from the Utah Jazz. His veteran experience and defensive versatility provide the Clippers with a reliable backup point guard option behind their primary ball-handlers.
Throughout the 2024–25 campaign, Dunn has continued to contribute with perimeter defense, ball pressure, and steady playmaking, drawing on the lessons learned across his stops in Minnesota, Chicago, Atlanta, Portland, Salt Lake City, and the G League. His ability to guard multiple positions remains one of his most valued assets in coach Tyronn Lue’s system.
Looking ahead, Dunn’s role with the Clippers hinges on his health and consistency, particularly as he looks to stay on the floor and provide a steadying veteran presence during the playoff push. With his track record of clutch performances and defensive impact, he remains a trusted option for Los Angeles as the 2025 postseason approaches.