Soon enough, the NBA’s trade deadline will pass. After that happens, the league’s landscape will shift. In fact, it’s already shifted.
A major domino has fallen. Pascal Siakam is no longer a member of the Toronto Raptors. He’s an Indiana Pacer. This was a blockbuster deal. In exchange for Siakam, the Raptors received draft capital, young players, and Bruce Brown.
Brown sticks out like a sore thumb. Realistically, it’s likely that the Raptors landed him because they needed to make the money work. Now, it’s widely rumored that the Raptors will look to move Brown.
Could they send him to the Los Angeles Lakers?
NBA Trade Proposal: Los Angeles Lakers Land Toronto Raptors’ Bruce Brown
Toronto Raptors Receive: F Rui Hachimura, G Gabe Vincent, 2029 First-Round Pick (Top 5 Protected – LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G/F Bruce Brown
This didn’t happen overnight. The Raptors did not rush to trade Siakam. Some would argue that they took too long. Did the Raptors get a good return for their star forward?
That depends on your point of view. On the one hand, the Raptors received three first-round picks for Siakam. On the other hand, two of those picks will be in the next draft, and neither is likely to land in the lottery.
Meanwhile, the young players that Toronto received may not be needle movers. Perhaps the Raptors did wait too long. Siakam’s contract was expiring. Moreover, the market has shifted in favor of buyers.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bruce Brown, Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Perhaps that’s why the Lakers have been linked to stars despite having limited draft capital. Should they settle for a role player instead?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
At last year’s deadline, the Lakers gave up a distant protected first. In exchange, they received D’Angelo Russell. This is no coincidence. The Lakers are protecting themselves against disaster while trying to upgrade their roster.
After all, they don’t know where they’ll be by 2027 – let alone 2029. So, sending out lightly protected picks for quality players is smart. Is Brown good enough to part with this protected pick?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bruce Brown, Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
We think so. Brown is among the most versatile players in the NBA. He can guard multiple positions and space the floor. Brown can even handle the ball in a pinch.
Should the Raptors keep him around?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
You could make that case. Some will argue that the Raptors aren’t looking to rebuild on a long-term basis. In that event, they could keep Brown – he’s only 27.
We disagree. The Raptors need to prioritize asset accumulation. This pick is lightly protected – it’s a valuable asset. This team should be focused on finding a co-star for Scottie Barnes. Until they do, they don’t need to prioritize putting quality role players around their star forward.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bruce Brown, Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
So, this trade ought to work for them. Meanwhile, Hachimura is a couple of years younger than Brown – he could be part of this team’s future. Either way, landing a protected first is the main idea here. In time, that asset could help the Raptors shift the league’s landscape.
