Nuggets Trade Rumors: Nikola Jokic and Co. Eye To Welcome Back NBA Champion Teammate Ahead of Deadline

As the NBA trade deadline approaches on February 8, the Denver Nuggets have emerged as major favorites to acquire Toronto Raptors forward Bruce Brown Jr. He was a part of the 2023 championship squad of the Mile-High City and they want him back due to his diversified skill set. Not only them, but even other franchises are actively considering adding him to their roster.

According to Marc Stein’s podcast, #thisleague Uncut, the Raptors have received many trade requests for Brown, who was acquired earlier this month in a deal with the Indiana Pacers that included Pascal Siakam. Toronto has voiced a desire for at least a first-round selection and a “quality player” in exchange for Brown, raising the stakes for possible bidders.

Chris Haynes, an NBA insider who spoke on the podcast, stated that the Raptors are receiving an “abnormal amount of calls” about Brown, indicating a high level of interest from clubs throughout the league. Brown has been linked to the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks, but the Denver Nuggets have also expressed interest in the skilled wing. Haynes said, “I was told that the Denver Nuggets would love to have Bruce Brown back…they just don’t have the picks to try to do that.”

Brown is due to make $22 million this season and has a club option worth $23 million for the next, which could be a tremendous asset for the Nuggets for now as well as in the future. However, despite their desire, the Nuggets have a challenge in matching Toronto’s trade conditions, as Haynes stated that the Nuggets lack the required first-round selection capital to persuade the Raptors into a trade. This begs the question: How good was Brown with the Nuggets that they want him back?

Brown was a crucial factor in the Nuggets’ championship run

Bruce Brown Jr. was a key member of the Denver Nuggets’ championship-winning team in the 2023 NBA season. Despite being the team’s fifth-leading scorer in the playoffs, with an average of 12 points per game, Brown’s effect extended far beyond the stat sheet. The 27-year-old star contributed to numerous aspects of the game and displayed versatility in his skillset by averaging 4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game throughout the 2023 postseason making him a crucial asset in their championship run.

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However, with trade restrictions preventing Brown from being combined with other players in a single transaction this season, the Nuggets have to negotiate the intricate nature of the trade market. The prospective arrival of Bruce Brown Jr. will significantly strengthen the Nuggets’ squad and add a dynamic component to their playoff hopes. So, what do you think, will the Nuggets be able to acquire Brown? Let us know in the comments below.

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