Bruce Brown’s recent injury has dealt a significant blow to both his season and the Toronto Raptors’ plans to trade him for future assets. Brown underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, addressing lingering issues that affected him throughout last season. The recovery timeline for his injury remains uncertain, and Brown is expected to be re-evaluated in about three weeks. The Raptors will now be forced to wait for further updates on his status, as his return to the court will be delayed well into the season.
Bruce Brown underwent an arthroscopic surgical procedure on his right knee, per the Raptors. He will be re-evaluated in 3 weeks, which means he’ll miss the start of training camp (at minimum).
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) September 20, 2024
NBA Business: Bruce Brown Injury Puts Snag In Raptors’ Plans
Championship Experience
Before the injury, Brown’s stock as a versatile player was highly attractive to teams around the league. He was a key contributor to the Denver Nuggets’ 2023 championship. His defensive intensity, ability to score off the bench, and versatility on both ends of the floor helped push the Nuggets to the title. Brown averaged 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game during that postseason. His energy and hustle made him a fan favorite. It earned him a lucrative two-year, $45 million deal with the Indiana Pacers.
However, his performance dipped after joining the Raptors following a midseason trade for Pascal Siakam. This sent the star forward to the Pacers in a deal that brought young assets and draft picks to Toronto. Brown averaged 9.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists with the Raptors. These numbers were solid but fell short of expectations, likely due to the knee injury. At one point, Brown acknowledged the injury’s severity, noting that he was “playing on one leg” throughout the season.
Spoke to Bruce Brown in Miami after the Raptors season ended about his knee injury.
"very frustrating" Brown says he has been dealing with a knee injury since he has been with the #raptors
"It's been tough. I mean I really couldn't bend my knee much I really played on one leg…
— Lindsay Dunn (@LindsayDunnTV) April 14, 2024
Brown’s current contract, which consumes around 15.8% of the salary cap, has raised eyebrows among contenders. While his versatility and championship experience make him an attractive option, his salary may be too steep for teams looking to fill gaps in their roster. A $22.5 million contract is hefty for a player who might come off the bench or play a reduced offensive role as a fourth or fifth option on a contending team.
An Injury-riddled Contract Year
Bruce Brown could take three to six months to regain peak performance after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery. While his recovery may progress well, reaching his previous level could be more challenging depending on his role within the team. During his absence or limited play, the team may shift focus to developing younger prospects like Gradey Dick, whose size and shooting make him a seamless fit alongside the team’s core. Dick’s ability to stretch the floor could make it difficult for Brown to regain his spot in the rotation, especially if Dick thrives in a more prominent role. With the team’s future potentially leaning more towards developing its young talents, Brown may face an uphill battle regaining his position and rhythm, extending the time it could take him to fully recover both physically and within the team dynamics.
Teams may shy away from making a trade for Brown during the season. Instead, franchises could wait until his contract expires in the summer, at which point they might explore signing him using a mid-level exception or a sign-and-trade deal, depending on their cap space. This approach would allow teams to acquire Brown at a more reasonable cost, without sacrificing significant assets during a potentially injury-riddled season.
The Last Word
For the Raptors, Bruce Brown’s injury complicates their rebuilding plans. They had hoped to trade him for future assets, given his expiring contract. However, with this injury, suitors may hesitate to give up valuable pieces for a player returning from surgery. As a result, the Raptors may have to adjust their expectations and look for less in return or potentially wait until the offseason to make a deal.
