Some NBA teams have a clear future ahead of them. They know what they’re going to do. Perhaps they’re a serious title contender – or, they may be at the beginning of a rebuild.
Then, you’ve got the Houston Rockets. This team’s outlook is interesting. The Rockets have a lot of young talent, but none of their young core has emerged as a clear franchise player. They’ve got some draft capital to work with moving forward, but they don’t control their own draft for a couple of years.
Last summer, the Rockets added some big-name free agents in a bid to improve. This summer, they could go in several directions. The Rockets could trade for a star, but they could also make a more modest move for a solid role player. How about Bruce Brown of the Toronto Raptors?
NBA Trade Proposal
Toronto Raptors Receive: C Jock Landale, F Jae’Sean Tate, 2026 First-Round Pick (Top 10 Protected – BKN via HOU)
Houston Rockets Receive: G/F Bruce Brown
This roster is intriguing. The Rockets have talent. Yet, most of their young players have flaws. This team is still sorting out its pecking order.
In 2023-24, their best player has been Alperen Sengun. As talented as he is, he struggles on the defensive end at times. Amen Thompson has flashed star potential as a rookie, but if he never improves his shot or his handle, it’s hard to imagine him carrying a franchise.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bruce Brown, Toronto Raptors, Houston Rockets Updates
Then, you’ve got Jalen Green. Out of every player on this roster, he’s the only one who’s regressed this year. Should the Rockets be thinking about replacing him?
Why The Houston Rockets Do The Deal
That’s part of the appeal of Brown for Houston. He’s such a versatile player. He could replace Green as the starting off-guard this year, but he could play several other roles for the Rockets too.
Either way, he’ll make them a better team. Brown is a versatile defender who can handle the ball and space the floor. For the Rockets’ purpose, he’s Tate with a reliable three-ball.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bruce Brown, Toronto Raptors, Houston Rockets Updates
Meanwhile, Brown is on an expiring contract. That’s why Houston can put top-ten protection on this pick. The Raptors may struggle to find an unprotected first for Brown. Should they accept this return for him?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
It doesn’t feel like Brown has a future with this team. The Raptors’ young core is coming together, and he’s a veteran. Unlike the Rockets, the Raptors have their franchise player. This team needs to build around Scottie Barnes.
So, this deal is partly about finding more opportunities for Gradey Dick and Immanuel Quickley. Parting with Brown will have the benefit of freeing up rotational time for Toronto’s younger players.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bruce Brown, Toronto Raptors, Houston Rockets Updates
Still, this isn’t a salary dump. Brown is a useful veteran. The Raptors should be happy to land a protected first for him. Meanwhile, they can waive Landale at the end of the season – he has a team option. Unless he establishes himself as part of their future, that is.
