Bruce Brown told NBA reporters during his introductory press conference with the Indiana Pacers that Tyrese Haliburton recruited him during free agency.
Brown signed a two-year, $45 million contract with the Pacers. He was an unrestricted free agent after declining his 2023-24 player option with the Denver Nuggets.
Brown averaged 11.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists for the Nuggets in 2022-23 while shooting 48.3% from the field, 35.8% from beyond the arc and 75.8% from the free-throw line. In the 2023 playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat, Brown put up 12.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game.
A Boston native, Brown averaged 11.4 points, 4.4 boards and 1.0 assists in the NBA Finals versus the Heat. Denver beat Miami in five games to capture its first title in franchise history.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Tyrese Haliburton, Bruce Brown & Indiana Pacers Updates
Brown has career averages of 8.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists with the Detroit Pistons, Brooklyn Nets and Nuggets. He has improved his game every year he’s been in the NBA and it appears the Pacers really wanted to get him based on the lucrative offer they offered him.
It will be fascinating to see if Brown can help the Pacers get back to the playoffs next season. It’s also going to be fun to watch Brown play with Haliburton, who averaged 20.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 10.4 assists this past season while shooting 49.0% from the field, 40.0% from beyond the arc and 87.1% from the free-throw line.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Tyrese Haliburton, Bruce Brown & Indiana Pacers Updates
Haliburton and the Pacers have agreed to a five-year extension worth up to $260 million. Indiana was never going to let Haliburton become a restricted free agent next summer.
A Wisconsin native, Haliburton has committed to play for Team USA in the upcoming FIBA World Cup in the Philippines, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. Team USA starts training camp on August 3 in Las Vegas and will play its first exhibition game on August 7 against Puerto Rico. World Cup play begins on August 26 against New Zealand.
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