With the trade of Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers for three first-round selections and Bruce Brown, the Toronto Raptors have finally decided to rebuild.
After a disappointing 2023–24 season, the Raptors are now looking ahead to the future by making roster changes, which was a need for many clubs. Having other players on the roster that may bring in more draft capital and assets means that Toronto might still be trading.
Though he’s having another good season overall, Brown’s versatility on offense and defense makes him a desirable player for postseason contenders. Brown may be little, but he makes up for it with his defensive prowess and secondary playmaking abilities.
It would be reasonable for Brown to be traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, who are among the most active clubs in the trade market. The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor reports, nevertheless, that the Lakers’ interest is dwindling because of the conditions made by the Raptors:
Bruce Brown, a wing for the Raptors, was reportedly a free agent target for the Lakers last summer. From what I’ve gathered as of late, the hefty demands from Toronto have dampened interest in Brown.
The Raptors are allegedly looking to trade Brown for a first-round selection or more, which is significantly higher than what clubs typically pay for players in the offseason. Given the current market conditions, Toronto has little incentive to reduce their asking price for Brown, despite the fact that it is an unrealistic expectation given Brown’s usefulness.
The Lakers have been scouring the NBA for upgrades, and they may have to look beyond Brown to find what they need. The squad might benefit from a reliable big man to complement Anthony Davis and increased dribble penetratiоn and shot creation from the backcourt.
In the time leading up to the trade deadline, Los Angeles is likely to be linked to other players. Although Brown would be an excellent addition to the Lakers’ roster, there are other players who can contribute to their current success.
Since the Lakers were convinced they would sign Bruce Brown before he signed with Indiana, they have been interested in trading for him ever since his free agency. Nevertheless, they are still allegedly pursuing the swingman as a trade target, so they haven’t stopped trying to obtain him.