One of the most popular names on the market ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline is Bruce Brown of the Toronto Raptors. Brown was acquired by Toronto from the Indiana Pacers in the Pascal Siakam blockbuster deal and many people thought he would be re-routed.
Leaning into their rebuild, the Raptors don’t have too much use for Brown, who would likely prefer to be playing on a playoff team anyway. Given the value that he has around the league, flipping him for more assets shouldn’t be too tough.
Brown has not been shy about his desire to end up with the New York Knicks, one of the teams who have been linked to him since Toronto acquired him. The two teams have familiarity with each other as they completed a blockbuster trade ahead of the New Year with Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett coming north of the border in exchange for OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn.
What would it cost the Knicks are another team to acquire him? According to NBA insider Marc Stein, via KnicksMuse on X, Toronto has set a firm asking price on the versatile wing player. They’re seeking draft compensation and a player in return.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bruce Brown, Toronto Raptors, New York Knicks Updates
For the Knicks, a package built around Evan Fournier and Quentin Grimes with a draft pick could get the deal done. Fournier is an expiring deal that would help the Raptors clear cap space, while Grimes would be afforded the chance to develop.
However, there is some concern about adding Brown to the mix in New York as he doesn’t address their biggest need for a ball-handler and playmaker. While he is a very good player, Brown would fill a similar role for the Knicks that is already occupied by Josh Hart as a versatile wing player who can defend four positions.
Part of the reason the Knicks traded Quickley and Barrett was to not have players with overlapping skill sets in their rotation. Acquiring Brown would certainly complicate an already hard-to-navigate wing rotation.
If New York is going to package Fournier, Grimes and a pick, it would be smarter to target someone such as Malcolm Brogdon or Jordan Clarkson. Both are capable of providing a spark off the bench and providing insurance behind Jalen Brunson as another player capable of creating offense for himself and his teammates.
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