Raptors news: Toronto holding firm on Bruce Brown, former center finds new home

As the losses continue to pile up for the Toronto Raptors, the segment of the fanbase that wants to part ways with veteran guard Bruce Brown is getting more ammunition. While Brown has put together some solid minutes, keeping him around with a very expensive price tag might not be ideal for this team.

Brown has been the subject of trade rumors as soon as he arrived in Toronto, as teams like the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers seem all but destined to make a legitimate push for some extra arrows in their quiver as they try to chase some postseason glory.

The Raptors have asked for another first-round pick if they want to trade Brown, but no one seems to have created an acceptable deal in Masai Ujiri's eyes. The latest buzz makes it seem like Toronto remains undeterred in its pursuit of an equitable deal.

According to Marc Stein, the Raptors are adamant about getting a first-round pick for Brown in any trade they concoct. With Brown unable to be aggregated with other players in a deal due to the recently traded restriction placed upon him, a young player on a controllable contract might be required to secure him.

More Raptors news

• According to Zach Lowe on a recent podcast, the Phoenix Suns inquired about former Raptors stars Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby before deciding to pull the trigger on their Kevin Durant deal. Could players like Mikal Bridges or Cam Johnson have been rerouted to Toronto?
• Former Raptors center Khem Birch, who joined the team in Tampa during the team's sabbatical following Marc Gasol's joining the Lakers, will replace the Spanish stud once again. After Gasol announced his retirement, Birch signed with Girona in Spain. After being traded to the San Antonio Spurs in the Jakob Poeltl deal, Birch has not played since.

NBA news

• According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Memphis Grizzlies rebuked attempts by the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks to trade for point guard Marcus Smart. Also included in Fischer's report was the fact Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. is no longer being considered a viable trade target.
• Brian Lewis of the New York Post reported the Brooklyn Nets turned down an offer of two first-round picks for veteran forward Dorian Finney-Smith. While DFS is a quality two-way role player and the protections on those picks were unknown, this decision could come back to bite Brooklyn.