Toronto Raptors confirm to trade away $23 million gifted player

Toronto Raptors point forward could generate notable trade interest at the upcoming NBA trade deadline. The 28-year-old, who is recovering from offseason knee surgery and has yet to play this season, is expected to make his debut soon. Acquired in the Pascal Siakam trade, the Raptors initially made Brown available but decided to retain him after not receiving the trade value they were seeking.

Last season, he posted averages of 9.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists across 34 games with the Raptors. With his $23 million contract set to expire, his defensive flexibility and championship pedigree make him an attractive trade target for playoff contenders. Despite the persistent trade rumors, Brown is keen on remaining with the Raptors.

“I don’t know if y’all noticed, but last year I didn’t look really engaged or [have much] energy I had with other teams because I was playing on one leg,” Brown said. “I want that to be addressed: I know a lot of fans didn’t think I played with a lot of energy, and I didn’t want to be here — that’s on social media — but I do want to be here, I do want to play with these guys, it’s a great bunch of guys, great coaches, great organization, but I was literally playing on one leg. It was tough for me mentally, I couldn’t move the way I wanted, play defence the way I wanted, so it was tough.”

 

Could the Raptors trade Bruce Brown before the NBA trade deadline?

Fortunately for Brown, Toronto may struggle to find a trade partner. The new NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement has created challenges for players in Brown’s salary range. With his $23 million salary this season, new rules surrounding a second salary tax apron, which restrict certain teams’ trade options based on their current roster’s salary commitments, have made it harder to facilitate a move.

Toronto Raptors point forward Bruce Brown could generate notable trade interest at the upcoming NBA trade deadline. The 28-year-old, who is recovering from offseason knee surgery and has yet to play this season, is expected to make his debut soon. Acquired in the Pascal Siakam trade, the Raptors initially made Brown available but decided to retain him after not receiving the trade value they were seeking.