The Denver Nuggets decided against acquiring 10-year NBA veteran Kris Dunn from the LA Clippers this offseason. The team's front office reportedly wanted draft capital included in any deal for the 32-year-old guard, a price the Clippers were unwilling to meet. This decision comes as Denver maintains its strong form, having just defeated the San Antonio Spurs 128-118 on April 13, 2026.
Why did the Nuggets pass on Kris Dunn?
According to reports, the Nuggets considered adding Dunn but only under specific conditions. They were not interested in simply taking on his contract. The front office insisted on receiving draft picks back from the Clippers as part of the transaction. LA clearly balked at that asking price, leaving Dunn to stay with the Clippers for now.
Denver's offseason strategy played a big role. The team prioritized re-signing young forward Peyton Watson. Exploring a trade for Dunn was an alternative path, but only if an offer they truly loved for Watson materialized. That scenario did not come to pass, and Watson remains a key part of the Nuggets' future plans. You can track the team's roster moves on our [squad](/squad) page.
Who is Kris Dunn and what was his recent performance?
Kris Dunn is a 32-year-old guard entering his 11th NBA season. He has played for six teams, including the Timberwolves, Bulls, Hawks, Trail Blazers, and Jazz. For the past two seasons, he suited up for the LA Clippers. His performance last season was solid, appearing in all 82 games with a career-high 68 starts.
In the 2025-26 campaign, Dunn averaged 7.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. He shot an efficient 47.6% from the field and improved his three-point shooting to 37.4%. The season before, he posted averages of 6.4 points while shooting 43.9% from the field and 33.5% from three-point range. He is set to make $5.6 million in the final year of his three-year contract.
What does this mean for the Nuggets' current trajectory?
Passing on Dunn allows the Nuggets to stay the course with their existing core. The team's recent results suggest that's a wise choice. They are on a five-game winning streak, with a perfect 5W-0D-0L record in their last five outings. Their most recent victory was a convincing 128-118 win over the San Antonio Spurs on April 13.
This form indicates the roster, as constructed, is clicking at the right time. The decision reflects confidence in the current guard rotation to handle playoff intensity. Dunn remains a potential trade chip for the Clippers throughout the 2026-27 season, but he won't be heading to Denver. For the latest team statistics and standings, fans can visit our [stats](/stats) and [standings](/standings) pages.
What comes next for both teams?
For the Nuggets, the focus shifts entirely to maintaining their winning momentum. The undefeated run in their last five games builds serious confidence heading into the next phase of the season. Their roster moves appear settled for now, with the Dunn speculation put to rest.
Kris Dunn will begin the season with the LA Clippers, playing on the final year of his deal. His $5.6 million salary and experienced guard play make him a likely candidate to be discussed in trade talks again before the deadline. The Nuggets' requirement for draft compensation, however, sets a clear benchmark for any future negotiations. Denver's strategy is clear: build through the draft and develop their own talent, only making moves that clearly improve their long-term outlook.
