As the NBA trade deadline draws closer, Toronto Raptors forward Bruce Brown is emerging as a potential trade chip, despite not playing a single game this season due to offseason knee surgery. Brown, acquired in the Pascal Siakam trade, has been sidelined for the start of the 2024-2025 campaign, but his imminent return to the court could reignite interest from playoff-contending teams looking to bolster their rosters. However, navigating the complex financial landscape created by the NBA’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) could make a trade for Brown more difficult than expected.
Brown, 28, is on an expiring $23 million contract and brings a valuable mix of defensive versatility, championship pedigree, and the ability to contribute on both ends of the floor. In his last season with Toronto, he averaged 9.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 34 games. He played through a painful knee issue for much of the year, which impacted his energy and performance. However, despite an underwhelming showing, Brown remains a highly sought-after asset for teams looking to add depth and experience as they make their push for a title.
Brown’s Loyalty to Toronto
Despite being available for trade, Brown has made it clear that he wants to remain in Toronto. Speaking candidly about his struggles last season, he revealed how playing through an injury affected his performance and energy levels on the court.
“I don’t know if y’all noticed, but last year I didn’t look really engaged or [have much] energy I had with other teams because I was playing on one leg,” Brown admitted. “I want that to be addressed: I know a lot of fans didn’t think I played with a lot of energy, and I didn’t want to be here — that’s on social media — but I do want to be here, I do want to play with these guys, it’s a great bunch of guys, great coaches, great organization, but I was literally playing on one leg. It was tough for me mentally, I couldn’t move the way I wanted, play defense the way I wanted, so it was tough.”
For Brown, a fresh start with a clean bill of health could be a game-changer. But with the Raptors currently in a rebuilding phase and Brown’s contract expiring at the end of the season, Toronto may decide that moving him before the trade deadline is in their best interest—especially if they receive an offer that helps their future plans.
Trade Market for Bruce Brown
Though Brown’s recent struggles may make some teams hesitant, his championship experience with the Denver Nuggets and his proven ability to guard multiple positions make him a valuable asset for contending teams. As teams prepare for the postseason, Brown’s defensive acumen, combined with his ability to contribute as a secondary playmaker and scorer, could be the missing piece for a title hopeful.
There have been reports that the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers have previously shown interest in Brown. However, both teams face significant financial hurdles due to the new CBA’s second salary tax apron restrictions.
- Milwaukee Bucks: The Bucks, who are currently among the league’s top contenders, would likely need to part with a key player, such as Brook Lopez, to make a deal work. Lopez has been integral to Milwaukee’s defensive scheme and interior presence, so parting with him would be a significant risk for the Bucks, especially given their championship aspirations.
- Los Angeles Lakers: The Lakers have more financial flexibility, as they are not currently in the second apron of the luxury tax. However, to acquire Brown, they would need to trade away substantial contracts, which would likely weaken their roster in other areas. Such a move may not make sense for the Lakers unless they are able to balance the trade by acquiring another key piece to offset the loss of depth.
Financial Implications of a Bruce Brown Trade
The new CBA has created more complications for teams looking to make mid-season trades. The second salary tax apron, which imposes restrictions on teams that are over the luxury tax, limits their ability to add salary without sacrificing key assets. With Brown’s $23 million expiring contract, teams such as the Bucks and Lakers—who are both contending for a championship—are caught between the desire to add a veteran player and the financial constraints that come with the current CBA.
For Toronto, these new rules could make it difficult to find a trade partner willing to take on Brown’s contract without giving up too much. If the Raptors can’t find the right deal, they may opt to hold on to Brown, especially if he returns to full health and regains his form on the court.
What’s Next for Bruce Brown and the Raptors?
As Brown nears his return to the court, the trade speculation surrounding him will only heat up. Toronto will likely continue to gauge the market for Brown leading up to the trade deadline, but unless they receive a strong offer, they may be hesitant to part with him. If Brown can regain his previous form and prove he is healthy and ready to contribute at a high level, he could become a key piece for the Raptors in their rebuilding process—or even as a trade asset in a future deal.
However, if the right offer comes along—one that helps the Raptors’ long-term future—the team could look to trade Brown before the deadline. With teams like the Lakers and Bucks both needing to navigate their financial constraints, a potential deal could take time to materialize, but Brown’s trade value is only going to rise as the deadline approaches.
For now, Bruce Brown and the Raptors are in a bit of a holding pattern. The next few months will be critical in determining whether Brown stays in Toronto or if a trade opportunity arises. One thing is for certain: expect plenty of trade rumors to swirl as the deadline draws near, with Bruce Brown being one of the more intriguing names to watch. Buckle up.
