BREAKING: Raptors to flip former NBA champion during the offseason

This time last year, Bruce Brown Jr. was helping the Denver Nuggets on their path to the first championship in franchise history. After entering unrestricted free agency, Brown joined the Indiana Pacers before being traded to the Toronto Raptors as part of the Pascal Siakam deal in January.

According to Doug Smith of the Toronto Star, the Raptors had always planned to flip Brown in a separate deal. However, that deal didn’t materialize before the February 8 trade deadline. Consequently, Toronto is now expected to gauge interest in the three-and-D wing during the summer.

“When the Raptors acquired Brown in the January trade with Indiana, it was with the intention of eventually trading him for a more appealing package,” Smith reported. “Although it didn’t materialize at the February trade deadline, it remained a consideration. The current belief is that it will occur in late June or early July. Only then will the true value of the package for Siakam be determined.”

Brown played in 34 games for the Raptors, averaging 9.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while shooting 53.2% from two-point range and 31.7% from deep. With his recent championship experience and reputation for professionalism on the court, there will undoubtedly be interest from teams across the NBA.

Toronto is still in the process of rebuilding its roster, focusing on developing its young trio of Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, and Scottie Barnes. If Brown can fetch the Raptors another young player or additional draft assets, it will aid the franchise in progressing toward its ultimate goal.

Furthermore, it will provide Brown with an opportunity to land in a situation where he can establish a significant role in the rotation and thrive as a trusted member of a team’s core.

Having won a championship in 2023, Brown now finds himself uncertain about his basketball future for the next year. This underscores how rapidly situations can change in the NBA.