Former Indiana Pacers guard Bruce Brown, now with the Toronto Raptors, is shaping up to be one of the most coveted names on the buyout market—if Toronto can’t trade him before the February 6 NBA trade deadline. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Raptors are “very motivated” to move Brown and his $23 million salary, especially in the aftermath of the Pascal Siakam trade to Indiana earlier this season.
Raptors’ urgency to deal Brown
Fischer reported that Toronto is actively shopping Brown, hoping to maximize their return after dealing Siakam. “The Raptors are very motivated to move Brown and his $23 million salary, sources said, in hopes of growing the return from trading Pascal Siakam to Indiana on Jan. 17, 2024. If no trade materializes involving Brown, he would surely be in great demand as a buyout candidate.”
Toronto’s urgency to deal Brown stems from the slim market for high-cost players recovering from injuries. Brown underwent right knee surgery in September and has played just nine games this season, debuting in late December. Teams interested in trading for the 28-year-old are reportedly waiting to see if he can regain the form that made him indispensable during the Denver Nuggets’ 2023 championship run.
Bruce Brown: From champion to trade chip
Brown’s journey since helping Denver capture its first NBA title has been rocky. His elite two-way play during the Nuggets’ championship run earned him a lucrative two-year, $45 million contract with Indiana in 2023. However, after an underwhelming stint with the Pacers, Brown was packaged in the trade that sent Pascal Siakam to Indiana, landing him in Toronto.
Now, with Toronto in rebuilding mode, the Raptors are exploring every avenue to offload Brown’s hefty salary. His $23 million team option for this season, which the Raptors exercised, makes him a significant trade asset—or a tempting buyout target for contenders.
Contenders circling for Brown
If no trade materializes, several contenders, including the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets, are expected to pursue Brown on the buyout market. Both teams have a clear need for a versatile defender and secondary scorer, and Brown fits the bill perfectly.
The Lakers, in particular, have been aggressive in their search for reinforcements, and Brown’s ability to defend multiple positions while contributing offensively would bolster their playoff aspirations. Meanwhile, a reunion with the Nuggets could reinvigorate his career, allowing Brown to thrive in a familiar system where he excelled.
Is Brown still a difference-maker?
Though Brown has yet to find his rhythm this season, his talent remains undeniable. He averaged 11.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists while shooting 36.8% from deep during Denver’s championship run. Even if he’s not quite at his peak, his ability to elevate a contender’s defense and add depth makes him a hot commodity.
Toronto’s decision on Brown will significantly impact his market. Whether through trade or buyout, Brown’s next destination could play a pivotal role in the playoff picture.
