The Toronto Raptors were considering trading veterans Bruce Brown and Chris Boucher, but Masai Ujiri and Bobby Webster ultimately decided to keep them for the rest of the season. Brown will play a crucial role off the bench after the team traded away Dennis Schroder and Thad Young. His versatility will be valuable in a second unit that includes rookie guard Gradey Dick and new acquisitions Kelly Olynyk and Ochai Agbaji from the Utah Jazz. Despite receiving numerous offers for Brown, Webster was not impressed and Toronto is content to revisit the situation in the offseason. Brown’s unique playing style has made him a target for Ujiri for several years and he has been averaging 9.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game this season.
Toronto is expected to exercise Brown’s $23 million club option, giving him an opportunity to prove his long-term value. Rather than pursuing a free agent, allocating significant playing time to Brown may make more sense. If Toronto decides to trade Brown next season, they could potentially receive a better trade package, as he was a key player on a championship-winning team just a year ago. Teams may be willing to part with 2025 picks to acquire him. Despite the Lakers and Knicks passing on Brown, Toronto may receive a better offer closer to the offseason when teams become more desperate.
