The Toronto Raptors are largely expected to make additional deals as they look to rebuild after parting ways with Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby. Bruce Brown has only been in Toronto for a short time, and his career in Canada could end after a few games.
Brown’s ability and confirmed status as an excellent role player for a contending team would undoubtedly have teams bidding wars for him, as he is the only rotation-level player Toronto got in the Siakam deal with the Indiana Pacers. According to reports, the asking price is for a first-round pick and a talented young player.
What makes this such a difficult case to examine is that Brown is the type of player that Toronto would most likely seek out in the draft or through free agency since he can do so many things well on both sides of the ball. Why wait to discover an imitation when you can get the real thing right now?
The Raptors must decide whether dealing Brown is better for the franchise’s long-term health, or if losing him isn’t worth obtaining another fairly raw young player who may never be as good as the former Nets and Nuggets stud. Which course will Masai Ujiri eventually choose?
Pros and Cons of the Toronto Raptors Possible Trade Bruce Brown
Pros
Brown will never be a revolutionary offensive player, but the market is so inflated right now that contenders would be ready to trade a very promising first-round selection and a young player of some repute for his services. Ujiri might need to strike while the iron is hot.
Brown has a team option for the 2024-25 season valued about $23 million. For a young squad looking for financial flexibility and the ability to absorb what is sure to be a nine-figure contract for Immanuel Quickley, getting rid of him might help them gain more cap room to develop a better bench.
Trading Bruce Brown could benefit the Toronto Raptors.
With up to four draft picks in the top 31, the Raptors have plenty of opportunities to find a long-term successor to Brown. They won’t have to feel constrained by him as they attempt to surround Barnes with a bench that is worth yelling about.
Assume the Raptors move Brown to a team like the New York Knicks, as previously discussed. They could snag another juicy pick in addition to Quentin Grimes, who is a promising young player. Whereas Brown may seek to contend, Grimes will strive to become a starter in Toronto.
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