The Toronto Raptors are not done making trades, as veterans like Bruce Brown, Chris Boucher, and others could be on the move. Not even a calendar year removed from winning a title with the Denver Nuggets, Brown, acquired from the Indiana Pacers in the Pascal Siakam deal, might not want to stick around for the rebuild.
Brown makes sense for so many contenders, as he can defend multiple spots and score from anywhere on the court without being a ballhog. However, the Raptors are not going to let teams like the New York Knicks or Los Angeles Lakers get him without paying a hefty price.
Toronto has reportedly set a very high asking price for Brown, demanding a first-round pick and promising young player to acquire him. Ujiri has become famous for setting a price for his players and holding firm, though this might be enough to scare away a team like the Lakers.
According to Kevin O'Connor of the Ringer, the Lakers and Raptors aren't discussing a Brown trade with the same vigor as before, as Los Angeles is reportedly balking at Toronto's asking price for Brown. The odds of Brown staying in Toronto seem to be growing as teams fade away.
Lakers fans, you might wanna read this tonight: https://t.co/lVewVPfQ0q
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) January 31, 2024
The Toronto Raptors may not trade Bruce Brown to the Lakers.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski on a Threads discussion, the Raptors aren't necessarily in a rush to trade away Brown. Even though he is owed a ton of money in the offseason when Toronto must pick up his $23 million option, his fit on this team is obvious to anyone.
Brown is averaging 11.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game while making 50% of his shots. Brown was arguably the best player on the floor in Toronto's win against the Chicago Bulls, as he showed he can be an effective finisher who competes as hard as anyone on the defensive side of the ball.
The Lakers have multiple players that could entice Toronto, including a promising power forward in Rui Hachimura and No. 17 overall pick Jalen Hood-Schifino. Despite Rob Pelinka's willingness to constantly give up future assets for short-term upgrades, the Lakers don't seem willing to meet this price.
Even with three first-round picks and the best second-rounder available at the moment, the Raptors could easily justify keeping Brown instead of spending an equal amount of money and draft capital on players who could replicate his production. Unless LA pays up, Toronto is fine with keeping him.