The Sacramento Kings are in desperate need of a turnaround. Their recent struggles have led to speculation about potential trade moves to strengthen their roster. Among the names being linked to the Kings is Toronto Raptors forward Bruce Brown, a proven winner and versatile two-way player.
Kings Predicted To Land $45.0M NBA Champion, Bruce Brown
Kings in Crisis
The Kings’ season has fallen short of expectations. With a 13-18 record, they sit 12th in the Western Conference. Their recent five-game losing streak, capped by a heartbreaking loss to the Detroit Pistons, highlights their struggles. Despite acquiring DeMar DeRozan in the summer, the team has failed to find consistency.
Sacramento remains committed to building around its core trio of De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, and DeRozan. However, their current roster construction isn’t yielding results, and the team is actively exploring trade options to add talent.
Bruce Brown’s Championship Pedigree
Brown, currently with the Raptors, has emerged as a potential trade target for Sacramento. Brown played a key role in the Denver Nuggets’ 2022-23 championship run before signing a two-year, $45.0M deal with the Indiana Pacers.
The Pacers later traded him to Toronto in the Pascal Siakam deal. Despite undergoing knee surgery in September, Brown is nearing a return to action. His ability to guard multiple positions and contribute offensively makes him a valuable asset for any team.
Bruce Brown’s Fit on the Kings
Brown’s versatility could fill significant gaps for the Kings. He can guard positions 1-through-4 and offers a well-rounded offensive game. However, his three-point shooting remains a concern, with a career average of 33.7%.
In 34 games with the Raptors, Brown averaged 9.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. While his numbers with Toronto were slightly down compared to his time with Indiana, his defensive prowess and championship experience make him a prime candidate to help stabilize Sacramento.
Sacramento’s Trade Assets
The Kings reportedly plan to leverage Kevin Huerter’s contract and a future first-round pick in a potential trade for Brown. Huerter’s $16.83M cap hit makes him an attractive asset for teams looking for an expiring contract next year.
Huerter, a career 37.7% three-point shooter, has struggled this season, hitting only 31.2% of his attempts. However, his age (26) and reputation as a floor spacer may appeal to interested teams.
Sacramento also has multiple exceptions, including the $7.983M room exception, to facilitate salary matching in a trade. They retain first-round picks from 2026 through 2030, providing additional flexibility to structure a deal.
Raptors’ Motivation to Move Brown
Toronto is actively shopping Brown to acquire draft capital before the trade deadline. With his contract set to expire after the 2024-25 season, moving him now allows the Raptors to gain long-term assets while resetting their roster.
Brown’s $23.0M cap hit for the season could align well with Sacramento’s needs, especially as they look to bolster their perimeter defense. If a trade materializes, Brown could become Sacramento’s best perimeter defender, alongside Keon Ellis.
Will Bruce Brown Be the Missing Piece for the Kings?
The Kings need a shake-up to salvage their season and live up to their postseason aspirations. Adding Brown could provide the defensive stability and veteran presence they desperately need.
While doubts remain about Brown’s shooting, his championship pedigree and versatility could make him a valuable addition. If Sacramento finalizes this move, it will signal a renewed commitment to making a deep playoff push.
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