NBA insider Chris B. Haynes reported on some interesting news regarding the trade interest around Bruce Brown.
“I was told the Denver Nuggets would love to have Bruce Brown back. But again, they’re in a similar situation like Milwaukee where they just don’t have the picks to try to do that. Bruce Brown knows how they feel. That’s something to keep an eye on down the road”.
NBA Rumors: Nuggets Looking to Bring Back Championship Piece
Can Nuggets Trade for Bruce Brown?
“I was told that the Denver Nuggets would love to have Bruce Brown back…they just don’t have the picks to try to do that…That’s something to keep an eye on down the road.”
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NBA correspondent Marc Stein also revealed what Toronto is looking to get back in a trade. “The Raptors’ asking price for teams interested in acquiring Bruce Brown has been described as a future first-round pick and a quality player … at a minimum.”
The Nuggets simply do not have the assets required to trade for Brown at the moment. The only tradable asset that the Nuggets would be willing to part ways with this season is Zeke Nnaji. The big man’s contract is simply too small to match with Brown’s, regardless of potential picks that the Nuggets could offer Toronto.
Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth has also proven that youth will be relied upon to supplant the starting unit. Christian Braun, Peyton Watson, and Julian Strawther have all played significant minutes this season, and figure to be an important part of the future.
However, a potential reunion in free agency might not be that far-fetched. Assuming the Raptors decline the team option they have on Brown, the Nuggets could offer Brown a decent contract to bring him back to Denver. This would push the Nuggets into the second apron of the NBA luxury tax. Owner Stan Kroenke may be willing to absorb that financial hit given how popular and successful Brown was during his short tenure in Denver.
Brown’s Time in Denver
Brown was an invaluable piece of the Nuggets’ 2023 championship winning squad. During the 2023 playoffs, Brown was Denver’s fifth leading scorer, with 12 points per game. Brown was the perfect Swiss Army Knife in the postseason, displaying his versatility across all facets of the game. He averaged 4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game.
One of Brown’s most notable performances came in Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat. His 21 points on just 11 shots helped the Nuggets earn an invaluable 108-95 victory. They would go on to close out the series in Game 5, winning the franchise’s first NBA championship.
Denver and Brown had mutual interest in extending their partnership, but the finances just didn’t lineup. Brown’s market value soared after his playoff performances.
The former Miami Hurricane eventually signed a massive two-year, $45 million deal with the Indiana Pacers. The maximum the Nuggets could offer Brown was $7.8 million per year.
Trade Deadline Approaching
The Pascal Siakam trade saw Indiana move Brown to Toronto, and since then, he has been in constant trade rumors. The versatile combo guard is averaging 12 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. The Lakers and Knicks are reportedly keen on acquiring him before February 8th. He is certainly a name to watch out for as the trade deadline approaches.
