With Pascal Siakam headed to the Indiana Pacers, the Toronto Raptors should now be swimming in Bruce Brown trade ideas. The former NBA champion has proven to be a winner and a versatile player who can contribute on both ends of the court.
However, one has to take several things into consideration — such as the NBA TPE rule, Brown's contract, among others — when considering which Bruce Brown trade ideas actually make sense. Knowing Masai Ujiri, teams looking to acquire any of his players have to be open to trading picks, and the Browns will be no exception to that rule.
5. 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers already have a solid backcourt defender in Patrick Beverley, but they could double down on their efforts by partnering him with Bruce Brown. They'll have competitive guards in prison in the game's most crucial moments, not to mention he can be there in small-ball lineups with Kelly Oubre or Tobias Harris as a five.
Nick Nurse is a creative and resourceful basketball mind who would certainly get the most out of a versatile two-way player like Brown. The only problem here is that Daryl Morey is almost impossible to negotiate with, just like Ujiri.
4. Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks are a strong offensive team. They look completely comfortable playing in the low 20s, pushing the pace up and taking as many shots as possible. They know that their only chance to beat every competitor is to outdo them.
However, offense wins games, but defense wins championships. We know it, they know it, everyone knows it. Adding Brown to the mix could help mask the terrible defense of Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic.
3. Nix
The New York Knicks have the most defensive-minded coach in the league in Tom Thibodeau. He found a starting point guard in Donte DiVincenzo, but trading for Brown would allow him to return to the bench to serve as another ball handler and offensive spark.
The Knicks have already acquired an elite point guard in OG Anunoby, so now they need to bolster that strength by acquiring another elite defender. This team has the potential to be the best defensive team in the league, even without Mitchell Robinson.
2. Lakers
It's no surprise that most Raptors trade news points to the Los Angeles Lakers as one of the potential landing spots for Bruce Brown. The Lakers are always associated with the best players in the league, even though they have nothing to offer to get them. This is not the exception, and landing the Browns there seems out of the question unless they are willing to part with their 2029 first-round pick.
The Lakers already struggled with Brown in the playoffs last year, so they know firsthand what he's capable of. He's a one-and-done player, a great finisher and cutter, and a guy who has proven he can play and guard all five positions despite his lack of size. The Lakers need stoppers, dogs and guys who can switch, and Brown checks all the boxes.
1. Thunder
And last but not least, we find one of the most promising and interesting teams in the entire league: the Oklahoma City Thunder. Sam Presti has raised more draft capital than anyone else in the league, so they can outbid pretty much anyone looking to acquire Brown — or any player — and still be stacked with draft picks.
The Thunder have a strong starting lineup and a rising star in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but they don't have a lot of depth or veterans. They could add a guy who has been there and done that, an NBA champion to help them anchor their defense who would be an offensive upgrade over Lou Dort.
