3 Potential Trade Destinations for Raptors’ Bruce Brown This Offseason
The Toronto Raptors are coming off their second consecutive season missing the playoffs, finishing with a 25-57 record, their worst since the 2011-12 season. This decline is largely due to the partial rebuild initiated at the trade deadline, where they traded OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks and Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers. Despite acquiring young talent, Toronto was not a playoff contender.
One key acquisition from the Siakam trade was Bruce Brown. Brown, who joined the Pacers after winning a championship with the Denver Nuggets, struggled to find his rhythm in Indiana and was included in the deal for Siakam. With Brown’s contract expiring and the Raptors rebuilding, they are likely to trade him this offseason. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Toronto has picked up Brown’s $23 million option and is looking to trade him.
In 67 games last season with Indiana and Toronto, Brown averaged 10.8 points and 2.9 assists, shooting 47.8% from the field and 32.3% from three-point range. At 27, he remains a solid scorer and defender. Many teams are expected to pursue him for his championship experience and versatility.
Here are three potential trade destinations for Brown this offseason:
New Orleans Pelicans
Pelicans add guard depth
After acquiring Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks, the New Orleans Pelicans have found their starting point guard but still need more guard depth. Last season, they lacked a true point guard, using CJ McCollum as a makeshift option. With the departure of backup point guard Dyson Daniels in the Murray trade and the need to replace starting center Jonas Valanciunas, a deal with the Raptors could address both needs.
Mock Trade Proposal:
– Raptors Receive: Brandon Ingram
– Pelicans Receive: Bruce Brown, Jakob Poeltl, 2026 first-round pick (via Indiana)
In this trade, Ingram would move to Toronto, giving the Raptors a young, talented player to pair with RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes, and Immanuel Quickley. This would accelerate Toronto’s rebuild, making them a potential play-in team and forming one of the NBA’s best young cores.
For New Orleans, Brown would provide guard depth and championship experience, enhancing their threat level in the Western Conference. Poeltl would replace Valanciunas as the starting center, offering better defense and inside scoring.
Los Angeles Lakers
Lakers and Raptors swap point guards
The Lakers, after a disappointing first-round exit, need to improve their starting point guard position. With LeBron James nearing the end of his career, the Lakers are focused on winning another championship. D’Angelo Russell, who accepted his player option, could be traded for a player like Brown, who offers a better defensive presence.
Mock Trade Proposal:
– Raptors Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2026 second-round pick
– Lakers Receive: Bruce Brown
This trade would see the Lakers swapping Russell for Brown, improving their defense and potentially boosting their chances in the Western Conference. Toronto would gain Russell, who could be traded later for more assets, and Hood-Schifino, a young guard who would get more playing time in Toronto.
Orlando Magic
Magic add Brown and size
The Orlando Magic, emerging as a strong team in the East, need a veteran guard and more size to compete at the top. With significant cap space, they could benefit from a deal with the Raptors.
Mock Trade Proposal:
– Raptors Receive: Markelle Fultz (sign-and-trade), Jett Howard, 2025 second-round pick, 2026 first-round pick
– Magic Receive: Bruce Brown, Jakob Poeltl
This trade would give the Magic a veteran guard in Brown, enhancing their already strong defense, and Poeltl, providing much-needed size. These additions, along with the free-agent signing of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, would make the Magic a formidable team in the East.
For Toronto, acquiring Fultz and Howard adds more young talent to their roster. Fultz would provide guard depth, and Howard would get more playing time to develop his skills, fitting well into Toronto’s rebuilding plan.
With Brown’s availability and his valuable skill set, numerous teams are likely to pursue a trade with the Raptors this offseason.
