Jazz Have Interest In Bruce Brown Jr.

First, it was the Lakers, then the Knicks, and now the Jazz are interested in the defensive wing. Bruce Brown Jr. has been making waves in the rumor mill since getting traded to Toronto from Indiana.

According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, a trade has been discussed where Kelly Olynyk and Ochai Abaji were being sent to Toronto for Brown being sent to Utah. It’s unclear how far they got into talks, but a framework for a deal has been assembled.

As a side note, the Raptors’ general manager, Bobby Webster, demands a first-rounder for Brown.

Raptors Want Young Player, First-Rounder For Bruce Brown

Per Marc Stein, the Toronto Raptors have named their price for veteran wing Bruce Brown, which is pretty reasonable. Teams are already lining up to talk shop on a potential trade.

The Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks have the assets to trade for Brown, with both teams being on Brown’s list to land. Los Angeles almost scooped him up in free agency before the Indiana Pacers signed him to a two-year deal, and New York can get him as Brown believes he’ll be a perfect fit on their team.

It should be noted that Brown is making $22 million this season and has a $23 million player option for next season. Whoever gets him in a trade will most likely sign him to an extension.

The NBA’s trade deadline is February 8th, 2024.

Bruce Brown Loves The Knicks

If the Toronto Raptors move on from Bruce Brown, expect the New York Knicks to try their hardest to land him. Even before he signed a two-year deal with the Indiana Pacers, New York was always rumored to be connected to Brown.

Brown admitted he loved being back in New York when the Raptors took on the Knicks. He was “happy” and said how much of a fit he would be for this New York team; he believes that being able to play both ends of the floor is why coach Tom Thibodeau would love him.

Rumors have linked Brown to the Knicks come the deadline; it wouldn’t be impossible for New York to trade for the wing.

“I play extremely hard. I would think [I’m] the type of player that he likes,” Brown said. “Every time we play Thibs I go up to him and shake his hand, just because of what he’s done. Nothing but respect for Thibs.”

Beyond wanting to play for the Knicks and being the perfect fit, he loves New York.

“I love New York,” Brown said. “I hated New York before I lived here, but as soon as I moved here, I loved it. Anytime you want to do something you can go do it. Great restaurants, great city, I love being back.”

Mock trades have included Evan Fournier being swapped for the veteran wing.