The Denver Nuggets are quickly climbing the standings. They have won seven of their last nine to move to fourth in the West. Russell Westbrook is forming a dynamic partnership with Nikola Jokic, and Aaron Gordon just returned from injury. The Joker led them to a championship in 2023, and the franchise is hungry to win another.
Fans have watched key members of that championship team depart. Bruce Brown and Jeff Green left in free agency just after winning it all. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope went to Orlando last summer as the Nuggets asked young players to step up. Christian Braun, Peyton Watson, and Julian Strawther are getting more minutes and carrying that burden.
The trade deadline is quickly approaching and every contender wants to upgrade their roster. The Nuggets have been mentioned in the rumors, but a guard from their championship squad is drawing even more buzz. Where will he end up?
Bruce Brown may be on the move again
The 6’4 guard signed with the Pacers in free agency but lasted just 33 games before being shipped to Toronto in the Pascal Siakam deal. Brown is making $23 million this season in the final year of his deal, which should open the door for another trade.
The Raptors have just nine wins and the fourth-worst record in the NBA. They are chasing lottery odds. That leaves zero need a guard in his prime that helped Denver win the championship in 2023.
Brown averages 5.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 0.9 steals in 17.6 minutes per game this season. He missed the first 31 contests with a knee injury and is still not playing in back-to-backs. There will be some worry, but his versatility and defense could convince a contender. The new CBA makes it difficult for teams in the race to acquire someone making $23 million. That could be the only stumbling block in a deal.
Brown helped the Pistons reach the playoffs as a rookie and played a role on two Nets teams that reached the postseason. Nuggets fans know well the impact the 6’4 guard can make on a deep run. Contenders will be interested. It will come down to making the math work and being willing to pay what the Raptors want for the 28-year-old.
Toronto is in the race for Cooper Flagg. They have zero reason to keep Bruce Brown beyond the Feb. 6 trade deadline. He will be an unrestricted free agent this summer and will likely sign with a contender. The Raptors would be wise to get what they can before it is too late.
The Denver Nuggets will be chasing a championship, but fans will keep a close eye on where Brown ends up. His former team certainly does not want to face him in the playoffs. The 6'4 wing is the type of role player every contender needs, so do not be surprised to see him wearing a different uniform during the stretch run.