The 2024-25 NBA regular season hasn’t even started yet and there is already trade buzz surrounding Bruce Brown’s name.
The Toronto Raptors picked up Brown’s $23 million team option this summer and he projects to be in the rotation this season once he recovers from knee surgery.
However, Brown is not expected to be a member of the Raptors for long. According to ESPN senior writer Chris Herring, he believes Brown is the likeliest player to be traded before the trade deadline next year:
“Brown is perhaps the likeliest player to switch teams before the trade deadline. The 28-year-old, who won a title as a key reserve with the Denver Nuggets, plays with a young, rebuilding Toronto team that probably picked up his $23 million team option with the intent of dealing him later.
It might make sense to move him given the Raptors made a clear choice to turn the page by trading OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam last season. Brown is a solid secondary ball handler, decent defender and an ace in transition, making him a natural fit for contending teams. His contract shouldn’t be a burden to teams, since he’s in the last season of his deal.
Keep an eye on a potential Denver reunion if third-year wing Christian Braun struggles in his expanded role after Kentavious Caldwell-Pope left for Orlando in the offseason. Brown fit with the Nuggets before and almost certainly would again.”
Herring links Brown to the Denver Nuggets in a reunion. He was an instrumental bench piece for the Nuggets during their 2023 NBA Championship run.
Meanwhile, for the Raptors they are rebuilding. They are not focused on winning now and are taking a slow approach on things. Therefore, Brown would be better suited on a contending team.
The Raptors were reportedly looking for a first-round pick for Brown at last season’s trade deadline. After the Raptors were unable to get their asking price for him they decided to be patient.
This summer Brown’s name was once again brought up in trade rumors, but nothing transpired.
However, with how things are shaping up in Toronto it would be surprising if Brown isn’t traded by this season’s deadline.
Darko Rajakovic talks about Chris Boucher’s role this season
Chris Boucher is entering the final year of his deal. The 31-year-old could be dealt before this season’s trade deadline.
However, for now he remains of the roster. Head coach Darko Rajakovic was asked about Boucher’s role heading into Raptors training camp.
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