Raptors Rumors: Bruce Brown Angling For Trade To Specific Team

He’s only played two games as a Toronto Raptor, but Bruce Brown is already making it clear what team he’s hoping to get flipped to before the trade deadline. The Raptors played the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night, and Brown made it a point to not only shake Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau’s hand, but also to make it clear how well he’d fit on his squad.

"I'm a dog…I can do just about whatever [Thibs] needs…I play extremely hard…both ends…type of player he likes…Every time we play Thibs I go up & shake his hand b/c of what he's done…Nothing but respect…I love New York"

–– Bruce Brown

More: https://t.co/TH58z2JNTI pic.twitter.com/BzRsRE6mJl

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) January 21, 2024

“I’m a dog,” Brown told The New York Post. “I play extremely hard on both ends of the floor. I can do just about whatever [Thibodeau] needs me to do… I would think [I’m] the type of player that he likes".

It might sound a bit presumptuous, but there are certainly rumours out there that there’s mutual respect, and the Knicks are interested in him as well.

“Every time we play Thibs I go up to him and shake his hand, just because of what he’s done,” Brown said. “Nothing but respect for Thibs.”

The Raptors, we've now learned, won't be giving Brown up very easily, however, as they've set a high price tag on their newest player:

REPORT: The Raptors are seeking a first-round pick and a young player in return for Bruce Brown, per @TheSteinLine.

(https://t.co/08bgAAK2yZ) pic.twitter.com/OMvgkQ9Von

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 21, 2024

According to insider Marc Stein, Toronto wants a first-round pick and a young player. Fellow Insider Chris Haynes says there are so many strong suitors for Brown, the Raptors should have no problem getting that return. 

As for the trade rumors, certainly Brown has heard them, but for now he’s just rolling with the punches with the Raptors.

Caught up w/ Bruce Brown for a story (great dude) but on trade rumours? He’s heard ‘em but is agnostic: “I don't know anything. I'm not requesting anything … that's up to Masai, whatever he wants to do. If he moves me he moves me. If he doesn't, I'll stay. It is what it is.”

— Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) January 21, 2024

“I don't know anything,” said the 27-year-old guard. “I'm not requesting anything … that's up to Masai, whatever he wants to do. If he moves me he moves me. If he doesn't, I'll stay. It is what it is.” 

Brown won an NBA title last season as a key contributor to the Denver Nuggets run so the 2023 championship. He signed a two-year, $45 million contract in free agency with the Indiana Pacers last summer, although the second year is not guaranteed.

There are a number of contenders around the NBA that would love to add that “dawg” mentality that Brown brings to both ends of the floor for a playoff push. He’s currently averaging 12 points, 4.7 boards, and 2.9 assists this season.

Photo: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports