NBA Insider Thinks Cavaliers Should Trade For Bruce Brown

NBA insider Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report thinks the Cleveland Cavaliers should trade for Toronto Raptors wing Bruce Brown. 

The Cavaliers only have two new players on the roster, JT Thor and rookie Jaylon Tyson. 

“The Cavaliers are near the tax and haven’t resolved Isaac Okoro‘s restricted free agency,” Pincus wrote. “He can be sent out via sign-and-trade until the season starts. While Cleveland is focused on competing in the playoffs, the franchise will likely be hesitant to add long-term salary with Evan Mobley‘s extension kicking in next year.

“Acquiring Bruce Brown Jr. from the Toronto Raptors would give Cleveland a versatile, defensive-minded wing on an expiring contract.”

The Raptors picked up Brown’s 2024-25 team option and are trying to trade him.

Brown will make $23 million next season. 

A Miami product, Brown played for the Indiana Pacers and Raptors last season. He averaged 10.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.3 blocks while shooting 47.8% from the field, 32.3% from beyond the arc and 82.4% from the free-throw line. 

A one-time NBA champion, Brown has career averages of 8.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.5 blocks with the Detroit Pistons, Brooklyn Nets, Denver Nuggets, Pacers and Raptors.

The Cavaliers lost to the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 2024 playoffs in five games. JB Bickerstaff was fired as head coach and replaced by Kenny Atkinson, who signed a five-year deal. 

Cleveland gave extensions to Mobley, Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen this offseason. The front office also declined all trade offers for Darius Garland. 

It will be fascinating to see what the Cavaliers do with Okoro, who remains a restricted free agent. Brown is better suited to play for a contender, while Okoro is young enough to help a team like the Raptors rebuild. 

Maybe the Cavaliers and Raptors could execute a sign-and-trade deal involving Okoro and Brown.