5 landing spots for Bruce Brown amid Raptors picking up former NBA champion's $23 million option

The Toronto Raptors have picked up the $23 million team option on Bruce Brown's contract, which could lead to a potential trade. Brown's contract is about to expire, which means he might get shipped to a different team. The Raptors likely won't allow the former NBA champion to walk away for nothing as he'll become an unrestricted free agent.

Brown signed a two-year, $45 million deal with the Indiana Pacers after his impressive outing with the Denver Nuggets back in the 2022-23 season. The Nuggets wanted him to return as he was a catalyst in their system. His defense and ability to stretch the floor were significant keys in securing the title back in 2023.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Brown could be an ideal trade asset for the Raptors. For the 2023-24 season, the three-and-D guard averaged 10.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists.

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5 landing spots for Bruce Brown

#5 Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks could have used the services of Brown during the 2024 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics. His ability to stop the offense of the Celtics could have made the series interesting and more competitive.

They have a chance to acquire him this season for another shot at the NBA championship. He could fit well into a backup guard role that could handle the opposing team's best players.

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#4 Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets are going all in on trying to get back to playing competitive basketball. The Rockets missed the postseason in the previous campaign and have shown a ton of promise with their young core. What they need now is an experienced veteran to show them leadership.

Brown would be the ideal trade candidate as he won't take up most of the offense with how he plays. The young core could focus on the offensive end while all the two-way guard has to do is play smart defense.

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#3 New York Knicks

Adding another player who's able to play intense defense would elevate the New York Knicks. While they already did that recently when they traded for Mikal Bridges, trading for Bruce Brown wouldn't be so bad.

After all, Julius Randle's fit with the team now seems questionable. The Knicks have the Villanova alumni and they're aware of how to play with each other. Brown could fit in with them since he's shown effort on both ends, similar to how Josh Hart plays.

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#2 Sacramento Kings

Much like the Rockets, the Sacramento Kings missed the 2024 NBA Playoffs. They struggled to have a defensive stopper on their end, which proved to be important in their quest to be a legitimate playoff team.

Now that they've traded Davion Mitchell, the Kings will need a perimeter defender. While they have other options in the market, taking a chance to trade for a former champion would improve the team.

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#1 LA Lakers

The LA Lakers lack solid depth when it comes to three-and-D players. They only have a few players who have done a good job at defending opposing teams. Additionally, the players they counted on last season (Gabe Vincent, Christian Wood, Jared Vanderbilt) all struggled with injuries.

Bruce Brown will be an ideal fit for the team since he's played consistently and has not suffered serious injuries.