Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls
A new report has linked the Denver Nuggets to a potential reunion with a fan-favorite from their championship-winning team, but a significant obstacle stands in the way of making it happen.
After a rocky November, the Nuggets have hit their stride over the past month and a half. Heading into Tuesday’s matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, Denver has won 10 of their last 13 games, holding a top-four record in the highly competitive Western Conference.
While their 26-16 record places them among the league’s best, and they boast a top-three offense, the team still lacks the depth to be considered a serious title contender this season. As a result, there has been speculation about potential moves to provide reigning MVP Nikola Jokić with more support for a deep playoff run.
Denver has been linked to trade rumors involving Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine, though those discussions seem to have cooled in recent days. However, NBA insider Jake Fischer recently suggested another possibility: a buyout signing of Bruce Brown, a key contributor to Denver’s 2023 championship team. Unfortunately, there’s a significant hurdle to overcome.
Could the Denver Nuggets reunite with Bruce Brown?
“If no trade materializes involving [Bruce] Brown, he would surely be in great demand as a buyout candidate,” Fischer noted. “Another team, fittingly, to keep in mind for Brown on the buyout market — if it gets that far — would be Denver. The Nuggets, sources say, would love a reunion with the veteran swingman affectionately known as Brucey B.”
Brown was instrumental in the Nuggets’ title run two seasons ago, earning fan admiration with his energy and impact off the bench. Since his departure, Denver’s depth has felt the void. Bringing him back would undoubtedly energize the fanbase, but Fischer outlined a crucial barrier to this reunion.
“To even have a shot at Brown, Denver would still have to make some cost-cutting moves on the trade front in order to get under the first apron for luxury tax teams,” Fischer explained. “Apron teams cannot sign any player who is bought out of a contract that pays more than the league average of $12.4 million.
“So Brown, in the Nuggets’ current state, wouldn’t be available to Denver even if he made it to free agency and both sides were eager for a reunion. Sources say that the Nuggets are indeed weighing whether trying to trade out of apron territory to create pathways to buyout market candidates would be a worthwhile endeavor.”
Is a reunion worth the cost?
While the idea of bringing Brown back is enticing, the financial gymnastics required for Denver to maneuver under the salary cap threshold adds complexity to the situation. With limited options to bolster their roster and a championship window still open, the Nuggets must decide if making such sacrifices is worth the potential reward.
For now, fans will have to wait and see if the front office can make the necessary moves to pave the way for a Bruce Brown comeback.
