NBA News: Toronto Raptors keep Bruce Brown

According to the latest news, the Toronto Raptors will not trade Bruce Brown until the 2024 NBA trade deadline.

A $23 million team option on Brown's 2024-2025 contract gives the Raptors plenty of options in the offseason. https://t.co/jluGqyTsNY

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2024

After signing with the team last summer, the Indiana Pacers traded Brown to the Raptors for Pascal Siakam in January.

Immediately after the trade, it was reported that the Raptors planned to flip Brown, according to Yossi Gozlan:

Bruce Brown is a prime candidate for a change of direction in another trade. He has a $23 million team option that must be declined to use up $32 million for the Toronto Raptors this summer. Most teams would have to shell out $14.5 million to match him.

In 10 games with the Raptors, Brown averaged 9.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists.

Heading into the 2024 NBA trade deadline, Brown's name has been a hot topic in trade rumors. Brown has been linked to a number of teams in the second half of the season. These teams include the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dallas Mavericks.

NBA News: Toronto Raptors keep Bruce Brown

What Bruce Brown Brings to the Raptors

Brown is a reliable, versatile scorer. Additionally, his versatility on both ends of the floor makes him a unique player. According to former teammate Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets head coach Mike Malone likens Brown to a “Swiss Army knife”:

“Coach (Michael Malone) called him the Swiss Army Knife — I think that's appropriate,” Nuggets star guard Jamal Murray said. “He can handle it. He can reach the edge. He can shoot enough. He can protect his best player. Run in transition mode. “Put him down as the guy you (need).”

Additionally, Brown is a player who can score in double figures and play good defense on any given night. Additionally, as a member of the Nuggets, Brown was an important part of the 2023 championship team. Having championship experience and knowing what it takes to win is always valuable in the NBA.

Why were the Raptors expected to trade Bruce Brown?

Although he's a solid player, Brown is no slouch. Additionally, Brown is great in a secondary role on a contending team. The 18-33 Raptors don't fit that mold this year. Additionally, Brown was a popular trade candidate. Even from the start, it seemed unlikely that the Raptors would keep the 27-year-old this season. Instead, trading assets would be the right decision for a team to capitalize on its trade market.

Additionally, along with Brown, other Raptors players were available:

As multiple league sources have clearly confirmed, the Raptors appear to be open for business, and anything and everything from Scotty Barnes and two former Knicks (Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett) is on the table.

Additionally, Brown doesn't fit into Toronto's timeline.

Despite all that, Toronto will keep the former NBA champion after the deadline.

Brown will continue to bring his versatility and championship experience to the Raptors.