The Denver Nuggets are once again asserting their dominance in the NBA, winning 10 of their last 13 games to climb to fourth in the Western Conference standings with a 26-16 record. Yet, despite their recent success, Denver appears to be angling for a crucial midseason upgrade—one that could potentially reignite their championship aspirations.
While their pursuit of Miami Heat superstar Jimmy Butler has fizzled, the Nuggets have set their sights on a familiar face: Bruce Brown, the versatile guard who played a pivotal role in the franchise’s historic 2023 championship run. According to insider Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Nuggets are “long interested” in a reunion with Brown, who is currently with the struggling Toronto Raptors.
A tough road to reunion
Bringing Brown back to Denver is no simple task. The Nuggets face financial constraints, as they must dip below the NBA’s first apron line to make room for the two-way standout. To do so, they would need to move 24-year-old forward Zeke Nnaji, a player they’ve actively shopped. However, Nnaji’s four-year, $32 million contract has reportedly scared off potential suitors, particularly without the inclusion of draft assets.
“No team around the league has shown interest in Nnaji so far, especially if the Nuggets aren’t willing to attach draft assets to said deal,” Siegel noted.
The Raptors, sitting at 10-32 and in clear rebuild mode, could present an ideal trade partner for Denver. A potential deal might involve Nnaji, along with one of Denver’s young prospects—Christian Braun, Peyton Watson, or Julian Strawther—and draft compensation to entice Toronto into sending Brown back to the Mile High City.
Why Bruce Brown matters
At 28 years old, Brown is a proven winner with a skill set tailor-made for a contender. During Denver’s 2022-23 championship season, he averaged 11.4 points and 4.4 rebounds while shooting 36.8% from three-point range in the NBA Finals. His defensive tenacity and ability to play above his size made him an invaluable asset on both ends of the floor, particularly in high-pressure moments.
Since Brown’s departure, Denver has relied on its younger players to fill the void, but the results have been mixed. While talents like Braun, Watson, and Strawther have shown promise, the Nuggets may lack the proven depth necessary to mount a successful title defense. Brown’s return could provide the stability and versatility they need to complement their core of Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr.
The Raptors’ perspective
For Toronto, Brown represents a valuable trade chip as they continue their rebuild. A package featuring Nnaji, along with a promising young player and draft picks, could help accelerate their long-term plans. With little to lose and plenty to gain, Toronto might find a deal with Denver too good to pass up.
Will Denver make the leap?
The Nuggets know what they’re getting with Bruce Brown: a proven contributor who thrives in big moments. With the trade deadline approaching on February 6, the time is ticking for Denver to decide if they’re willing to part with assets to bring him back.
If the deal goes through, the Nuggets would not only shore up their defense but also add a crucial piece to their rotation that could reignite their championship hopes. On the other hand, failing to address their depth issues could leave them vulnerable in a hyper-competitive Western Conference.
Denver’s decision could very well determine if the 2025 season ends with another championship parade—or bitter disappointment.
