It's far from a secret that the Minnesota Timberwolves will be in the market for a point guard ahead of the trade deadline. Of course, many of the rumors ahead of the February 5 deadline will be around big names. Nevertheless, a role player could be just as impactful, and there's arguably no better-fitting role player than Kris Dunn.
The Wolves drafted Dunn with the No. 5 pick in 2016. Dunn had a slow start to his career, and Minnesota traded him after just one season as part of the Jimmy Butler trade. The Providence College product is the definition of a late bloomer; he didn't truly find his niche in the NBA until last season with the Los Angeles Clippers. Regardless, he's become a damn good player and would be an ideal fit with the Wolves.
While the Clippers have been trending upward recently, it's still reasonable to believe that Dunn could be available ahead of the deadline.
The Timberwolves must target Kris Dunn ahead of the trade deadline
When looking at the Wolves' roster, it's clear that they need a well-rounded guard. The need for playmaking will be a priority. Beyond that, though, spot-up shooting and perimeter defense are two skills the Wolves could use. Thankfully, Dunn can provide a little bit of everything.
Dunn is most known for his elite perimeter defense. He is a stifling on-ball defender who can shut down both opposing guards and wings. Impressively, Dunn ranks in the 92nd percentile for defensive plus-minus per dunksandthrees. Furthermore, Dunn is one of the most disruptive defensive playmakers in the league. Notably, he ranks in the 95th percentile for both steals and deflections per 100 possessions. Dunn's instincts are truly remarkable, and he has a relentless energy that can flip a team. This skill set makes Dunn one of the league's best defenders, bar none.
For a Wolves squad that has struggled in the non-Rudy Gobert minutes and could use a perimeter defender to complement Jaden McDaniels, Dunn's fit is clear.
Offensively, Dunn has an ideal skill set for the Wolves as well. He is a steady ball-handler and connective playmaker. Dunn posts a solid 2.26 assist-to-turnover ratio and would be a much-needed calming presence for the Wolves' offense.
Don't let Dunn's 8.1 points per game average fool you; he can provide scoring. Notably, he is shooting 74 percent at the rim and 39.2 percent from 3-point range. Dunn's physicality around the rim would give the Wolves a different element. This sense of secondary scoring is all the Wolves need from their next guard, and it's vital that Dunn can provide this in multiple ways.
Now, what would it take to get Dunn? As a high-quality role player, his price would be inherently lower than that of other targets. Sure, the Clippers are on a five-game win streak, but they're also 12-21 on the season. As the oldest roster in the league, the Clippers may look to get a bit younger at the deadline.
Trading either Rob Dillingham or Terrence Shannon Jr., plus draft capital (which the Clippers desperately lack), could be enough for LA to move off Dunn. Perhaps this would involve a three-team deal, or the Wolves would have to give up more -- but it remains possible that they pull off a deal for Dunn.
Ultimately, Dunn should be a clear trade for the Timberwolves, and his return to Minnesota would be fitting.