The Toronto Raptors 2023-24 season has come to a close.
The team finished 25-57, their fifth-worst record in franchise history. It is their worst season since going 22-60 in 2010-11.
Now Toronto will get set for an important offseason where they are going to have to make many decisions.
One of those decisions will be what will they do with Bruce Brown? The Raptors acquired Brown in the trade that sent Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers.
The Raptors have a $23 million team option on Brown for next season. They will have to make a decision by June 29 on that option. The Raptors could decline the option for more cap flexibility or they could pick it up and use Brown as a trade chip.
Brown has been dealing with what he called a ‘very frustrating’ knee injury since joining Toronto via Sportsnet’s Lindsay Dunn:
“It’s been tough. I mean I really couldn’t bend my knee much I really played on one leg the entire time. I just wasn’t myself since December, but next year I will be fine.”
It is hard to see Brown being in the Raptors long-term plans. The Raptors were reportedly trying to trade Brown at the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline but a trade never materialized.
It was reported that the Raptors were seeking a first-round pick for his services. Considering where the Raptors stand now it does seem likely that Toronto will pick up his team option and look to trade him this summer.
Brown’s time with the Raptors
Brown was a big piece on the Denver Nuggets as they won the 2023 NBA Championship last season. He then signed a two-year $45 million contract with the Indiana Pacers last offseason before being dealt to the Raptors.
Since coming to Toronto, Brown has struggled to find his place on the team. He averaged 9.6 points and 3.8 rebounds in 34 games.
Brown’s knee injury explains why he has not looked sharp with Toronto. It will be interesting to see what the Raptors do with 27-year-old from this point on.
More must-reads: