The Toronto Raptors are expected to make some changes this offseason after sputtering to a 25-57 finish, good for 12th in the Eastern Conference. One player they've been reportedly looking to move is Bruce Brown, who the team acquired as a part of the Pascal Siakam trade back in January.
However, Brown is still favored to stay north of the border next season, via Bovada. The site lists his odds to stay with the Raptors at -180, with the next closest team being the New York Knicks at +325. The Los Angeles Lakers are third at +750, followed by the Philadelphia 76ers (+850), Dallas Mavericks (+850), Oklahoma City Thunder (+850), and Sacramento Kings (+950).
How would the 27-year-old fit with these squads?
Brown would make more sense as a trade chip for the Raptors
Although Bovada has Brown staying in Toronto, he would be more impactful on a contender. The 27-year-old doesn't make sense for a team that needs to rebuild, as he's just now entering his prime.
Brown has a team option in his contract for 2024-25 that's worth $23 million. The Raptors are expected to pick it up, and then find a trade partner, via Doug Smith of Toronto Star Sports.
“The sense from a handful of league sources is that the Raptors are likely to pick up the option, then turn around and deal Brown quickly rather than wait until the 2025 trade deadline,” Smith said.
Toronto has until June 29th to pick up the option, which is two days after the NBA Draft. The 2018 second-round pick had a forgettable tenure with the Raptors, averaging 9.6 points on 48.1% shooting, with 3.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists after getting dealt to the Canadian outfit.
However, Brown still isn't far removed from his 2023 season, when he was an essential piece to the Denver Nuggets' championship run. The Miami alum excelled as a two-way player off the bench in the playoffs, averaging 12 points on 51.1% shooting, with four rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.1 steals across 26.6 minutes.
There's no reason why Brown can't find similar success on another contender next season. The Knicks are a prime example, as the team gets closer and closer to being a top-three team by the year. The Boston native would fit in nicely as a sixth man, especially on a team that could use more scoring pop off the bench.
The Lakers may not make as much sense, as the club is in a bit of a no man's land situation. LeBron James' retirement is inevitable within the next couple of seasons, and the club doesn't have any rising stars, Austin Reaves magic notwithstanding. Anthony Davis is the lone foundational block for the team to build around the next few years, but Los Angeles isn't close enough to contending to be a suitable home for Brown.
The Mavericks, Thunder, and Kings would all make sense, though. Brown would be an upgrade over Dallas' current bench options, such as Derrick Lively II and Tim Hardaway Jr. Oklahoma City could use a veteran presence, as its core is entirely made up of players on their rookie deals. Lastly, Sacramento could use an extra push to get them past the first round in a competitive Western Conference.
Regardless, this situation seems like an easy play for bettors to bank on a trade being made. The main question is who Toronto will make the deal with.
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