The 2024 trade deadline ended with little noise. The usual surprising turn of events or a completely shocking trade did not happen. Most of all, the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors, who were the frontrunners for deadline moves, let it pass quietly. The Lakers, though, did have a variety of interests. Unfortunately, they didn’t have any players to make it worthwhile for opposing teams. Nor did they meet the high asking price of, say, a team like the Toronto Raptors.

The Canadian franchise had made some notable moves ahead of the deadline. And they did have a coveted asset on the table. But they had no plans of letting him go without an equally heavy return.

Toronto closes the door on the Los Angeles Lakers

Bruce Brown Jr., the 27-year-old forward-guard, was acquired by the Raptors in the Pascal Siakam trade to Indiana. Since then, the front office had made sure to let the trade market know Brown was available to any team that was willing to give them a first-round pick. A steep price, sure. But GM Bobby Webster’s interests lie primarily in the well-being of the franchise. Joining the radio show, Sportsnet 590, Webster clarified it further when he said, “Another team or contender was – in essence – going to have to blow us away with an offer to get Bruce.”

And why wouldn’t they? After all, he comes with, most notably, a championship pedigree, having helped lead the Denver Nuggets to their title. Considered small when compared to the traditional size for a forward, Bruce Brown had played all five positions effortlessly. Not to mention, his 6’4 202-pound frame can defend at least three different positions.

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Another factor that Webster brought into the conversation was Brown’s contract. A rebuilding team themselves, Bruce’s two-year $45 million contract has the second year as a team option. This meant that he could be used as an expiring contract this season or as a valuable addition to the next season.

As the Raptors GM further explained, he would be the perfect attraction for draft night when more first-round picks will be available for the team. Until then, he can provide versatility and veteran experience to a team that’s looking to contend for a Conference title. But what about the other latest additions to the team?

The Raptors look to focus on the long-term goals

Kelly Olynyk and Ochai Agbaji’s moves to Toronto were quite unexpected. The Utah Jazz’s entry made sense for the Raptors, given that they are looking to build a young team that will grow alongside the franchise itself. Agbaji, 23, is someone the team sees a lot of potential in.

NBA Trade Rumors: Jazz Edge Past Lakers for Raptors’ Bruce Brown

He is also someone the front office has been keeping a close eye on. Averaging 5.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks per game this season; it seems like they like what they are seeing. Olynyk, though older than Toronto would like, provides a veteran big man on the team – the kind that Scottie Barnes hasn’t played with yet. The fact that he is a Canadian native who has wanted to play for Toronto is also a plus.

As Webster puts it, they consider him a “steady hand”. Anyway, even if Bruce Brown ends up in the Raptors long term, it won’t be in any way a disadvantage for the team.

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