Bruce Brown has been a player who’s featured on quite a few teams across his career. And he has successfully managed to be a strong contributor to the teams he’s been part of. But, how much is he paid? His NBA salary has become a key focal point as a few Los Angeles Lakers trade rumors swirl around his name these days! So, let’s dive into the details of his contract and what’s next for him.

What is Bruce Brown’s salary with the Toronto Raptors?

Bruce Brown’s salary with the Toronto Raptors is tied to a unique situation. He was actually under contract with the Indiana Pacers, having signed a two-year, $45 million deal in 2023. His deal includes $45 million guaranteed, with an average annual salary of $22.5 million. In the 2024-25 season, Brown will earn a base salary of $23 million.

However, the Raptors’ involvement comes from a more complicated scenario. Toronto picked up him with a $23 million team option for 2024-25, likely in hopes of flipping him later. However, with Brown’s right knee surgery, his trade value has taken a hit. His slow start to the season and missing games have made it tough to gauge his worth. But, do you know this puts the team in a tricky spot?

The Raptors are “very motivated” to move him before the February 6 trade deadline, but with his right knee injury concerns and large salary, finding a suitable trade partner isn’t easy. The hoopster was a key piece for the Denver Nuggets during their 2023 Finals run, and teams like the LA Lakers and Nuggets have shown interest in him in the past. However, their offerings aren’t ideal.

The Toronto side is sitting in 14th position, struggling in the Eastern Conference at 11-32. This record and Brown’s contract make a trade difficult. “Now rival executives have been waiting to see Brown return to health and peak performance before committing to a trade for him,” according to NBA insider Jake Fischer. If not, the buyout market becomes a potential avenue for these teams.

Ultimately, the Raptors might have to consider absorbing some of Brown’s salary or pushing for a buyout. This would allow them to cut their losses while giving Brown a chance to find a new home. With that, let’s look into his trade from the Pacers to the Raptors.

Who did the Indiana Pacers trade in for Bruce Brown?

On January 17, 2024, the Indiana Pacers traded Bruce Brown to the Raptors. However, the deal wasn’t just about Brown; the team had also sent Jordan Nwora, Kira Lewis Jr., and three first-round draft picks to Toronto in exchange for star forward Pascal Siakam. This marked a significant shift for both teams. The Pacers’ cap space had over $30 million heading into free agency, which allowed them to be aggressive. They sought to make a move that aligned with the NBA’s new CBA, encouraging teams to spend quickly.

Well, the team’s decision to get Siakam was strategic. Anyway, they were looking to bolster their lineup with a proven, versatile player. Guess what? Pascal’s ability to contribute immediately made him an attractive option, so it became easy for the Pacers to choose him.

For the Raptors, though, the move was about reshaping their roster and preparing for the future. Moving towards young assets and draft picks signaled their intention to rebuild. Brown’s part in the deal might not have been the headline, but it was significant in the larger puzzle. Both hoped the trade would better position them for success. Well, do you know there are more trade rumors for Brown?

Are the Raptors planning to trade Bruce Brown to the Lakers?

The Lakers’ interest in Bruce Brown has been long-standing, but could it happen now? The team has been active during the trade window, but they’re not satisfied. Despite acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, the LA side remains just above the play-in spots in the Western Conference. That’s far from where they want to be.

The Lakers still have assets to make a move before the February 6 deadline, including two first-round picks. Could Bruce Brown be the missing piece? According to NBA insider, Jake Fischer, the Raptors are motivated to move Brown and his $23M salary. They’re looking to grow the returns from the Pascal Siakam trade to the Indiana Pacers.

Fischer’s report suggests the Lakers could finally land Brown, a player they’ve coveted for years. Brown has always been viewed as a potential fit for the Lakers. He’s a solid 3-and-D player who can contribute both on offense and defense.

But, this season, the hoopster was limited to just 9 games because of knee surgery. But, still, he’s shown promise in his recent performances. He scored 17 points against the Milwaukee Bucks on January 17, signaling he’s regaining his form.

“I’m happy to be here,” he said of his situation with Toronto. “If it happens, it does. If it doesn’t, I’m okay. I was shocked last year when I got traded, so this year, it’s whatever.” However, for the Lakers, adding Brown wouldn’t be a blockbuster move, it would improve them. A player like him could help push LA closer to a top-four/six seed. However, making the salary work is a challenge. His $23 million salary means the Lakers would likely need to trade players like Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, or Jarred Vanderbilt.

While it’s unclear if the deal will happen, the Lakers will likely face tough decisions soon. Bruce Brown could be the solution they need, but the path to acquiring him isn’t a simple and straight one. The situation remains fluid, but it’s one to watch closely.