**NBA Rumors: Raptors’ $23 Million Bruce Brown Trade Plan Emerges**
The Toronto Raptors might be looking to trade Bruce Brown.
After a disappointing 2023-24 season, where they finished 12th in the Eastern Conference with a 25-57 record, the Raptors appear to be gearing up for significant changes. Following the trades of Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby, the team is planning an active offseason.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Raptors intend to pick up Bruce Brown’s $23 million player option and then trade him: “Toronto is expected to exercise Bruce Brown’s $23 million team option and use him as a trade chip entering the offseason, league sources told HoopsHype.”
This move is not entirely surprising. Brown, who joined the Raptors from the Indiana Pacers as part of the Siakam trade, averaged 10.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists. However, he doesn’t seem to align with the Raptors’ future plans. Toronto is aiming to acquire more draft picks and younger talent rather than entering a full rebuild. Additionally, Brown will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2024-25 season.
Trading Brown could bring valuable draft picks to the Raptors. As a solid player who contributed significantly to the Denver Nuggets’ title run last season, Brown would be a desirable addition for many teams, offering him the chance to join a contender and return to the playoffs.
**Raptors Also Planning Scottie Barnes Extension**
With Siakam and Anunoby gone, Scottie Barnes has emerged as the franchise cornerstone. Barnes, who will play on a $10.1 million player option next season before becoming a restricted free agent, is set for a contract extension this summer, according to Scotto: “The Raptors will also look to extend All-Star forward Scottie Barnes this summer, league sources told HoopsHype.”
Barnes has been crucial for Toronto since his rookie year, when he won Rookie of the Year. This past season, he achieved career highs with averages of 19.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, six assists, and 1.2 steals, including a 34% success rate from three-point range. His performance underscores his potential as a building block for the Raptors.
Toronto, having missed the playoffs for two consecutive seasons, aims to strengthen its roster this offseason to become a contender in the East once again. However, this rebuilding phase might take longer than hoped.
Additionally, the Raptors are reportedly interested in drafting Purdue big man Zach Edey, a Toronto native, in the 2024 NBA Draft if he is available when they pick.
The upcoming months promise to be interesting for the Raptors, with potential significant changes to the roster by Opening Night.
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