The Toronto Raptors experienced some bad luck in the NBA Draft Lottery, landing outside the top eight and thus having to hand over their first-round pick to the San Antonio Spurs. Following the trade of Pascal Siakam before the Trade Deadline, it’s clear the Raptors are in rebuild mode.
In the Siakam trade, the Raptors received Bruce Brown, who didn’t contribute much toward the end of the season due to knee issues. Despite this, Brown is still considered a somewhat valuable role player. However, he is owed $23 million next season, and it’s uncertain if the Raptors are willing to pay that amount for a role player. The team has until June 29, two days after the Draft, to decide on exercising an option for Brown’s salary. It is likely that the Raptors will pick up the option and then trade him.
Brown was acquired from the Indiana Pacers with the intention of flipping him at the Trade Deadline for a better deal, which did not happen. It is now expected that the Raptors will complete this trade in the offseason.
In his 34 games with the Raptors last season, Brown averaged 9.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, shooting 48.1 percent from the field and 31.7 percent from three-point range.
If the Raptors decide to part ways with Bruce Brown, they wouldn’t be losing much considering they have Gary Trent Jr., who is younger (25 versus 27) and a better shooter. Trent Jr. averaged 15.8 points per game and shot 38.6 percent from three-point range in 71 games last season. While his rebounds and assists are lower than Brown’s, the Raptors see potential for growth.
The Raptors plan to trade Bruce Brown Jr. within the next 30 days, per @RealGM
Which team should trade for him? pic.twitter.com/Y3LNnSl7xc
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) May 17, 2024
**Payroll Considerations**
Money is a significant factor in this decision. Trent Jr. earned $18.5 million last season, considerably less than Brown, and is now a free agent. The Raptors believe they can re-sign Trent Jr. for less money than Brown. Additionally, the team is looking to extend Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley, which will require substantial payroll allocations.
Given these financial considerations and the intention to develop younger talent, it appears likely that the Raptors will move on from Brown.
