The Toronto Raptors are looking to trade Bruce Brown, who they acquired from the Indiana Pacers in a trade involving Pascal Siakam before the trade deadline. The plan is for the Raptors to exercise Brown’s team option worth $23 million and then trade him to another team while attempting to re-sign Gary Trent Jr.
The decision to move on from Brown makes sense for Toronto as they have pivoted away from Siakam and OG Anunoby, who were traded to the New York Knicks. Brown does not fit the timeline of the Raptors’ younger core, which includes players like Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, and RJ Barrett.
In addition to Brown, the Raptors could also consider listening to offers for centers Jakob Pöltl and Kelly Olynyk. Pöltl, a 28-year-old big man from Austria, does not align with Toronto’s new timeline and could be a valuable asset for teams looking to add a defensive presence. Olynyk, 33, offers outside shooting and playmaking skills that could attract interest from other teams.
While Brown, Pöltl, and Olynyk all bring unique skills to the table, the Raptors may not be able to afford to keep all three players on the roster. It is important for Toronto to focus on building a roster that aligns with their long-term goals and avoids dedicating cap space to players who are not major building blocks for the future.
Brown’s contractual situation as an unrestricted free agent next summer could complicate any potential trade offers for him. While teams may be interested in his services, they may not be willing to offer significant returns given the risk of him leaving after one season. Olynyk and Pöltl each have at least two more years left on their contracts, providing some level of team control for potential trade partners.
The Raptors should remain open to offers for Brown, Pöltl, and Olynyk but should also stay focused on their long-term strategy of asset accumulation and building around their young core. It may be tempting to try to compete in the Eastern Conference, but Toronto’s best approach is to stay the course and make moves that benefit the team in the long run.
As the offseason approaches, the Raptors will have to carefully consider their direction and the potential impact of any trades on their roster. While other teams may be interested in Brown, Pöltl, and Olynyk, Toronto must prioritize building a roster that aligns with their goals and positions them for future success.
