In a surprising twist on December 29, the Los Angeles Lakers made a significant move by acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith from the Brooklyn Nets, along with guard Shake Milton. In this deal, the Nets received guard D’Angelo Russell, forward Maxwell Lewis, and three future second-round picks.
With Finney-Smith—a renowned wing defender—now off the market, NBA teams hungry for defensive prowess will undoubtedly shift their focus. Enter Bruce Brown of the Toronto Raptors, a gritty 2023 NBA Champion who might just be the new darling of the trade circuit.
Raptors hold a key trade asset in Bruce Brown
Since undergoing knee surgery prior to the season, Brown has been sidelined for what feels like an eternity, but he finally suited up against Atlanta on December 29.
Brown isn’t about to dazzle fans with an eye-popping box score, but his ability to hound opposing players and make smart plays makes him invaluable in high-pressure situations. The question looms, though: can he reclaim that form after a shaky start with the Raptors?
After a solid run with the Denver Nuggets that culminated in an NBA Championship, Brown’s reputation took a hit during his early days in Toronto. Despite the hefty payday he secured, the initial performances left much to be desired, leading many to question whether he could still be the underrated asset he once was.
Therein lies the crux of the matter: Bruce Brown needs to stay healthy. If the 26-year-old can navigate the physical challenges of an NBA season, his skill set is primed to turn heads.
Bruce Brown's health is crucial for maximizing his trade value this season
Bruce Brown's capacity to neutralize opponents while making key contributions in critical moments positions him as a highly sought-after asset. This desirability extends beyond the Toronto Raptors; teams looking to bolster their defensive rosters will be keen to pursue Brown.
Given this potential, Brown could command a significant return on the trade market, possibly matching the price paid for Finney-Smith. However, a recent insider report by Marc Stein on his Substack, The Stein Line, indicates that Brown is one NBA veteran currently available "for second-round draft compensation."
This largely diminishes any hope of Bruce Brown returning a first-round draft asset. Nevertheless, circumstances could change if the Raptors' resident cowboy has a surprisingly resurgent season. Still, that would require placing significant faith in Brown’s ability to perform effectively while also maintaining his health.
In the modern NBA, where strong defense can be a game-changer, Bruce Brown stands at a pivotal juncture in his career. His performance this season will not only impact his own prospects but will also influence how prospective teams view him as a valuable asset for their rosters.
This season is filled with uncertainty, but it also presents a crucial opportunity for Brown to prove himself as more than just a forgotten role player on the Raptors, similar to Chris Boucher.
Brown has the chance to prove that he is a player worth investing in, potentially reshaping the perceptions of teams around the league. The stakes are high; his ability to stay injury-free will be essential in determining both his future and the future of the Raptors in the ever-evolving trade market.