NBA Rumors: Bruce Brown Jr. Trade Discussed by Jazz, Raptors Amid Lakers, Knicks Buzz

Toronto Raptors guard Bruce Brown Jr. remains one of the hottest trade candidates on the market with the NBA’s trade deadline less than 24 hours away.

While the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks have been linked to Brown this winter, it appears another team has joined the sweepstakes for his services.

The Utah Jazz “have discussed a framework” with the Raptors on a deal for Brown in exchange for Kelly Olynyk and Ochai Agbaji, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.

“What draft capital could be part of that conversation remains to be seen, but Toronto has been consistent with its messaging to rival teams that it is looking for a first-round pick for Brown, sources said,” Fischer wrote.

The Jazz could use some more depth at the guard position alongside Kris Dunn, Keyonte George, Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson.

With the team still in contention for a playoff spot, sitting 10th in the Western Conference with a 26-26 record, attempting to acquire a player of Brown’s caliber to pair with Lauri Markkanen is a no-brainer.

Brown helped the Denver Nuggets win the NBA title last season and his championship pedigree would be perfect in Utah.

However, the reported asking price of a first-round pick is high, and it’s unclear if the Jazz would be willing to offload any sort of draft capital in a potential deal.

Olynynk, 32, doesn’t fit Toronto’s timeline, but it’s possible the Raptors could offload him to a contender in another trade in pursuit of larger assets to accelerate a rebuild. The Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat, and Golden State Warriors are among the teams to have interest in Olynyk, according to Fischer.

Agbaji, who is in his second NBA season, would be more of a fit with the Raptors than Olynyk. At 23 years old, he has the potential to mold into a solid player despite underperforming in the early stages of his career.

Brown began the 2023-24 campaign with the Indiana Pacers after signing a two-year, $45 million contract as a free agent. He was traded to the Raptors in the Pascal Siakam deal.

The 27-year-old is averaging 11.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 42 games this season while shooting 46.9 percent from the floor and 33.1 percent from deep.

At least one team is said to have offered the Raptors a first-round pick in exchange for Brown, according to Sportsnet’s Michael Grange, so the Jazz certainly face some stiff competition for his services.