The Jazz dipped into their mid-level exception in order to sign Kris Dunn to his new contract, Hoops Rumors has learned. If Dunn had signed for the veteran’s minimum, he would’ve made $356,646 for the rest of the season, but he instead received more than double that amount ($735,819) via Utah’s MLE.
Dunn’s two-year deal also includes a minimum salary ($2,586,665) for 2023/24, but that figure is entirely non-guaranteed. The veteran Jazz guard would get his full guarantee if he isn’t waived on or before October 23.
Here are more details on contracts recently signed around the NBA:
- The Cavaliers‘ new contract agreement with Sam Merrill covers three seasons, Hoops Rumors has learned. Cleveland used a portion of its mid-level exception to give Merrill a third year and to pay him $850K for the rest of this season, well above the minimum. The Cavs will control Merrill at the veteran’s minimum rate in 2023/24 and ’24/25, with both of those years non-guaranteed.
- As expected, Meyers Leonard‘s new deal with the Bucks is worth the veteran’s minimum and covers only the rest of this season, so he’ll return to unrestricted free agency again this summer. As we noted on Wednesday, Leonard’s rest-of-season contract will pay him $409,916, while the Bucks will take on a cap hit of $284,911 (though the actual cost of the signing will exceed $1MM due to tax penalties).
- Trevor Keels‘ new two-way contract with the Knicks is just a rest-of-season deal, so he’ll be eligible for restricted free agency if he finishes the season with the club.
I’m guessing the Jazz did a non-guaranteed second year just in case they draft, sign, or trade for a bunch of point guards or if Dunn doesn’t stay healthy.
Personally, I think he can help the Jazz going forward. He’s poised and a superior defender then anyone else on the Jazz. He doesn’t seem to make mistakes hardly ever. He’s so good at getting steals or at least knocking the ball loose. He’s clearly a better shooter than he previous career stats say he was.
The only reasons I could see him not being a benefit is if he clashes in the locker room or gets injured. Haven’t seen any evidence of either. He seems to be careful out there and doesn’t drive recklessly. His midrange floater is perfect. Sexton could learn from these traits. =)
Good for Dunn. Now make sure you do t get cut.
I thought Dunn would be a beast coming out of college…
Sam Merrill will a contributor if given decent playing time.