Toronto Raptors Eye Potential Bruce Brown Trade Amid Challenging Season

As the Toronto Raptors find themselves near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, it’s becoming clear that the rest of this season may be a lost cause. However, the team’s front office appears focused on shaping a brighter future, starting with some major roster changes.

One of those changes could involve moving on from veteran guard Bruce Brown, as the Raptors are reportedly “highly motivated” to trade the 27-year-old.

According to Jake Fischer, Toronto is eager to explore trade opportunities for Brown and his $23 million salary, a move aimed at maximizing their return after dealing Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers earlier this season.

“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,” Fischer wrote. “If no trade materializes involving Brown, he would surely be in great demand as a buyout candidate.”

Injuries and Underperformance Cloud Brown’s Trade Value

Bruce Brown joined the Raptors in 2024 as part of the blockbuster deal that sent Siakam to Indiana. At the time, Brown’s stock was sky-high following his championship-winning campaign with the Denver Nuggets, where he was lauded as an invaluable role player.

Unfortunately, injuries have limited his availability since his arrival in Toronto. Brown has appeared in just 43 games with the Raptors, including only nine this season. During those limited appearances, he has averaged a modest 7.2 points and 3.4 rebounds per game, a far cry from the impact player many anticipated.

Brown’s injury history and underwhelming production may complicate Toronto’s efforts to find a trade partner, though his reputation as a versatile, team-first player could still make him an attractive option for contenders.

A Dozen Suitors Once Showed Interest

When Brown hit the market in the summer of 2023, he was one of the most sought-after names in free agency, with roughly a dozen teams reportedly vying for his services. It remains to be seen how many of those teams would still be willing to work with the Raptors now, especially given Brown’s recent injury struggles.

A Crucial Decision for the Raptors’ Future

If Toronto can orchestrate a trade for Brown, it could serve as a key step in their ongoing roster overhaul. The team is clearly looking to build for the future, and shedding Brown’s salary would give them additional flexibility to pursue younger talent or draft capital.

Should no trade materialize, Brown could still find himself in demand as a buyout candidate, potentially landing with a playoff contender eager to bolster its bench.

As the trade deadline approaches, the Raptors’ handling of Bruce Brown will be a storyline to watch, offering a glimpse into how the franchise plans to navigate its rebuild and position itself for long-term success.