SUMMARY
- The Toronto Raptors executed a significant trade before the trade deadline, involving the transfer of OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks and Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers.
- Despite being part of the trade to the Raptors, Bruce Brown has expressed his desire to join another NBA franchise.
The Toronto Raptors successfully carried out a mega trade before hitting the trade deadline on February 8, 2024. The initial one included trading OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks and then Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers. In the Siakam trade, the Pacers sent Bruce Brown, Jordan Nwora, and three first-round draft picks to the Raptors.
It’s worth noting that although Brown was traded to the Raptors, his heart lies somewhere else. In a recent article in the New York Post, Jared Schwartz spilled the beans. Bruce Brown has expressed his willingness to join another NBA franchise, as he finds himself to be in sync with what the said coach might be looking for. It’s true that Tom Thibodeau has been a Bruce fan since 2023. The team wanted to trade the star forward in 2023 free agency.
Bruce Brown on Knicks trade rumors:
“I am a dog. I can do just about whatever Tom Thibodeau needs me to do.”
(via @jschwartz115, https://t.co/en4QBSweqH) pic.twitter.com/2E9CQjpBqU
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 21, 2024
This likeness holds strong ground because head coach Thibodeau looks for players who are hard-nosed, tough, smart, and willing on defense. Since Brown has the majority of these qualities, the potential trade makes even more sense. Giving way to the trade rumors, Brown also made a few statements. He said, “I am a dog. I play extremely hard on both ends of the floor. I can do just about whatever [Thibodeau] needs me to do.”
He added, “I would think [I’m] the type of player that he likes.” This one-to-one with the New York Post took place before the Raptors trailed behind the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Brown finished the night with 8 points and 3 rebounds in his 22 minutes on the court. Well, the No. 11 jersey couldn’t do any magic, it seems.
Bruce Brown paid $10k to retain the No. 11 jersey after the Raptors’ trade
Bruce Brown recorded his debut with the Raptors on January 18, 2024, vs. the Chicago Bulls. Brown finished the night with 15 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, and $10,000 less in his bank account. When Bruce was acquired by the Raptors, his familiar No. 11 jersey was already occupied by a teammate. It was Jontay Porter who had the jersey.
REPORT: Bruce Brown Jr. reportedly paid new teammate Jontay Porter $10K for the right to wear the No. 11 jersey for the Raptors, per SportsNet Canada.
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 19, 2024
However, Bruce had other plans. He asked the big man if he could get the No. 11 jersey. After all, what’s $10K when one is making $22.5 million this season? Bruce holds a long history with the No. 11 jersey, as he wore the same back in his college days. Although the player couldn’t fulfill his dream while playing for the Detroit Pistons and the Brooklyn Nets, he cracked a deal with the Raptors’ teammate.
The Raptors’ two-way player, Jontay Porter, settled for a No. 34 jersey as a result. Brown and the Raptors will face the Grizzlies on January 22, 2024, on a home stand. The fans must be eager to see what a jersey number can do to a player.
