It’s been a busy year for NBA trades. Typically, we expect a flurry of movement at the deadline. This year, the deadline may be a bit quieter. After all, we’ve already seen several big moves.
Still, some of those trades will have fallout. Some rebuilding teams acquired valuable veterans to make the money work in a deal. Don’t be surprised if those teams turn around and trade those veterans for more value.
For example, look at the Toronto Raptors. They’re expected to trade Bruce Brown after acquiring him from the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Pascal Siakam. Could they send him to the Oklahoma City Thunder?
NBA Trade Proposal
Toronto Raptors Receive: F Davis Bertans, F/C Aleksej Pokusevski, 2024 First-Round Pick (Top 4 Protected – HOU via OKC)
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: G/F Bruce Brown
Why are we seeing deals happen so early? Typically, teams wait until the last possible second. They want to entertain every possibility before they commit to something.
Well, it’s a buyer’s market this year. Teams have less to consider – there are fewer offers. The Raptors had likely been shopping Siakam for months before they made a deal with the Pacers. They knew the market, and they knew this was the best deal they’d get.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bruce Brown, Toronto Raptors, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
If you’re a big fan of the deadline, this could be bad news. You may not get the same excitement from the big day that you typically do. With that said – there will be deals. Should the Raptors make this one?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
When the Raptors acquired Brown, they likely planned on moving him. They were interested in the draft capital that they were getting in exchange for Siakam. Now, they should seek more draft capital.
Brown won’t net them the same type of return as Siakam. With that in mind, a lightly protected first should do. The Rockets are in play-in contention. This pick will almost certainly convey to the Raptors.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bruce Brown, Toronto Raptors, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Finally, taking a flyer on Pokusevski doesn’t hurt either. The Raptors have shown a preference for plus-sized ball-handlers. Pokusevski has that skill set. Should the Thunder give up on him?
Why The Oklahoma City Thunder Do The Deal
Pokusevski has potential. On the other hand, he also has the potential to bust. He’s a risky prospect. Meanwhile, the suddenly contending Thunder don’t need to take that risk anymore.
They also don’t need Bertans. At this point, he’s no more than a salary on the books for the Thunder. Given their place in the Western Conference standings, the Thunder would do well to flip him for a versatile defensive wing.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bruce Brown, Toronto Raptors, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
That’s Brown. He can handle the ball, pass, and most importantly, space the floor and defend across positions. He’d be a perfect addition to this Thunder roster. If he’s available, the Thunder should get in on the NBA’s trade action.
