The Raptors are still determining how they plan to move forward with Bruce Brown‘s $23MM team option for 2024/25, NBA insider Marc Stein relays in his latest around-the-league notebook. The Pacers originally signed Brown to the two-year, $45MM deal last summer in a successful effort to poach him from Denver, then traded him as part of a package to acquire Pascal Siakam.
According to Stein, numerous teams expect the Raptors to pick up that option to help facilitate a trade further down the road.
Brown played in 67 games (44 starts) between the Pacers and Raptors last season, averaging 10.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists contest one year after helping Denver win the championship.
We have more from Stein:
- Before joining Tyronn Lue‘s staff in Los Angeles as an assistant, Jeff Van Gundy was pursued by the New Zealand Breakers of Australia’s National Basketball League to be their head coach, Stein reports. The Breakers formally requested permission from the Celtics to interview Van Gundy, who spent the year as a special adviser in Boston’s basketball operations room, but were told he had another coaching opportunity lined up already (with the Clippers).
- J.J. Redick is the overwhelming favorite to be hired as the Lakers‘ head coach, while James Borrego is still considered the frontrunner to get the Cavaliers‘ job, according to Stein. Though he cautions that anything can happen, as of Wednesday Stein expects those two positions to be filled by those candidates soon.
- Jayson Tatum and Derrick White‘s contract extensions with the Celtics are viewed as inevitable, Stein writes. Tatum is eligible for a five-year, $315MM deal that would make him the highest-paid player in NBA history.
- Klay Thompson is in Houston training with Team Bahamas ahead of Olympic qualifiers, but likely would never have been able to participate in the tournament due to the timing of the event (July 2-7). An unrestricted free agent with an injury history, Thompson — like other free agents — can’t officially sign a new contract until July 6, making any play before then an unnecessary risk. Even if he were willing to make that risk, Thompson likely wouldn’t have received clearance from USA Basketball anyways after the organization was criticized last year for allowing Eric Gordon to join the Bahamas, which won a pre-qualifying tournament, Stein writes.
- Stein confirms reports that Atlanta has been unable to secure an in-person workout with Alexandre Sarr, increasing rumblings that the Hawks may select Zaccharie Risacher first overall.
Brown for Bojan and a pick might make sense for the Knicks. Low risk deal, he fits the mold.
He fits their identity perfectly, but the Knicks’ bench needs a facilitator who can set up the offense when Brunson is out and more reliable shooting, neither of which Brown is known for.
Furthermore, Brown is versatile but the positions he fits are pretty well spoken for on the Knicks and that’s before theoretically adding a true backup PG – doubt he’s taking minutes away from Divo, Hart, OG (assuming he returns) or even Deuce. Bojan has a clearer path to minutes simply because of his size and ability to space the floor.
As much as I like the player, another intangible guy isn’t really what the Knicks should use assets on.
Exactly, there’s some redundancy with Hart, Divi and them other fellas.
No such redundancy with Bojan.
Depends on what happens with OG tho. If the lose OG, they could pivot to Brown.
Raptors don’t want that soon to be retired dude who can’t function unless he’s dishing out empty stats on a suck team. Bruce for Jonathan Issac sure.
Idk about trading for a dude who is a season-ending injury risk every single year at age 26 (27 to start next season). What’s gonna happen when Isaac hits 30? You can do better for Bruce Brown. Maybe just a 2025 1st with protections. Someone will give it up and it’s looking like a much better class.
So Bruce for Wiggins? Who else is it worth trading him for?
Trade him to a team with cap room and don’t worry about the player, get picks.
Orlando would hang up the phone, aggressively.
Bojan is instant offense. I think the Knicks will be the Celtics biggest threat in the East if they get OG signed. But I think a Philly is going to offer him more.
I think you have no clue what you are speaking on.
Bruce Brown to GSW
Andrew Wiggins to Mavs
THJ, Josh Green and 2 seconds (one from each team) to Toronto
Dallas can run it back
Kyrie Luka Wiggins Washington Lively
Exum Hardy DJJ Kleber Gafford
Couple vets for the minimum for depth.
Wiggins is just the perfect 3 and D wing they need. Sad to see Green go but gives an opportunity to let Hardy be the guard/wing off the bench with impact.
GSW I think Klay leaves, Podzi gets the SG spot, Kuminga takes Wiggins spot at SF and Bruce takes the sixth man role. With Klay and CP3 gone you actually have a little bit of money for a change. GP2 returns, you’ve still got Looney, Moody and TJD. Gordan Hayward I could see ring chasing, would be cool to see Seth link up with his brother, they could also do with some size like Daniel Theis.
Curry Podzi Kuminga Green Theis
GP2 Brown Hayward TJD Looney
Curry Moody
Then lastly Toronto, Brown was on an expiring deal and obviously not a longer term piece in their rebuild. In return you get THJ (on an expiring deal) for salary matching, Josh Green who is a solid young player and a couple future picks.
With IQ Barrett Barnes Gradey THJ and Green they don’t need to bring GTJ back and don’t need to draft a guard either. Fills out their rotation nicely if they target another forward in the draft or maybe a back up centre.