The Toronto Raptors will miss one of their key players at the start of training camp, as Bruce Brown will be re-evaluated in three weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.
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Bruce Brown was traded to the Toronto Raptors via a trade that sent Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers in January. The 28-year-old swingman made 34 regular season appearances with Toronto in 2023-24, averaging 9.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per contest while shooting 48.1 percent from the field.
Before joining the Toronto Raptors, Bruce Brown signed a two-year, $45 million contract to join the Indiana Pacers in free agency after winning his first NBA championship with the Denver Nuggets in 2022-23.
The former Miami star was the Denver Nuggets’ x-factor during their 2022–23 NBA title run, excelling in his Sixth Man role. Bruce Brown was the auxiliary ball handler and playmaker for the Denver Nuggets, which helped alleviate the pressure on Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.
He will earn $23 million in 2024-25 after the Toronto Raptors picked up his team option this summer before becoming an unrestricted free agent anew next summer.
Bruce Brown is reportedly not part of the Toronto Raptors’ long-term plans
There was an overwhelming belief that Toronto planned to shop Bruce Brown this offseason to get more assets, as the team plans to go young with their ongoing rebuilding efforts.
However, Brown’s injury complicates his potential trade market, making it harder for the Toronto Raptors to find a suitable trade for him.
As mentioned, Toronto is in the early stages of a rebuild. They recently re-signed Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley to five-year contracts while trading for Davion Mitchell and adding Bruno Fernando via free agency.
They also have RJ Barrett, Gradey Dick, and Ja’Kobe Walter, who are also expected to be part of the team’s long-term plans.
