NBA Insider intel suggests Raptors have a problem trading this fluctuating veteran

There are just about two and a half weeks left before the 2025 NBA trade deadline, which is set for February 6.

The Toronto Raptors have some roster questions to sort out, and a smart way to tackle them is by checking the market for interest in their veteran players. There shouldn't be too much difficulty in finding a trade suitor for the red-hot Chris Boucher, as teams around the league have been closely monitoring his recent success.

Oh yeah, and then there's Bruce Brown.

The narrative surrounding Brown tends to be pretty negative, and while he has expressed a desire to improve for Toronto, the reality is it's time for him to move on. The challenge, though, is figuring out which team will take on his $23 million expiring contract.

It’s important to note that a one-year deal at that price point isn’t overly outrageous. However, recent trades across the league and insider insights suggest that it may be challenging for the Raptors to find a suitable buyer.

Bruce Brown's financial burden may hinder Raptors' trade efforts

ESPN NBA Insider Bobby Marks took to X (formerly Twitter) to highlight a trending topic in the latest trade discussions, observing:

Noting the details provided, an economic pathway to the NBA trade market may be attractive. While a deal involving a player worth $20 million or more is theoretically possible, it will likely require creative solutions and strategic maneuvering to succeed.

One such high drama situation to monitor is the ongoing Miami Heat, Pat Riley, and Jimmy Butler ordeal.

Doug Smith, Raptors Insider for the Toronto Star, recently penned a column proposing that the team might consider entering the Jimmy Butler sweepstakes, though the intention wouldn’t be to acquire the 35-year-old star.

There are serious implications for Toronto regarding the outcome of this tense fracas, as the Raptors could potentially leverage their veteran contracts in a hypothetical three-team trade scenario.

Considering Brown's higher price tag, injury history, and lack of recent performance that justifies his value, Toronto faces a challenging task in leveraging him for assets. The primary objective for Toronto in any potential trade scenario is likely to find a way to include Brown in another deal, allowing them to offload his contract if possible.

Brown could be considered one of the top 3-and-D veterans available on the NBA trade market, but that assessment hinges on the expectation that he will return to his peak form, which may not be a safe bet for Toronto.

Time is not in the Raptors' favor, and if they are unable to find a way to adapt to the current NBA trade landscape, the worst-case scenario could involve Toronto simply buying out Bruce Brown's contract. This would certainly cast a significant shadow over the Pascal Siakam trade when viewed in retrospect.

While it may not be overly optimistic, there are still comparable salaries available that could be swapped for Brown's. However, the idea of including additional assets like draft capital might be an unrealistic expectation for Toronto. Given that Brown hasn't significantly contributed to the Raptors, taking a chance on another player to take on his limited role could represent a worthwhile upgrade.