The Toronto Raptors are reportedly setting a high asking price for Bruce Brown, standing at a future first-round pick and a quality player at the very least. The Raptors are leveraging the interest of contending teams, particularly the New York Knicks, who have shown mutual interest in acquiring the 6-foot-4 guard.
Bruce Brown openly expressed his fittingness with the Knicks, emphasizing his relentless playing style on both ends of the floor and his adaptability to Coach Tom Thibodeau’s needs. Brown had previously met with the Knicks in free agency, but he ultimately signed a $45 million, 2-year offer with the Indiana Pacers, following his championship run with the Denver Nuggets last season.
With the Raptors’ substantial asking price, the Knicks could potentially offer Evan Fournier and Quentin Grimes in a trade for Brown. However, the question arises as to whether the Knicks would be willing to include a first-round pick if Grimes is already part of the deal.
Meanwhile, the Knicks are also exploring the possibility of acquiring Jordan Clarkson, another trade candidate, to enhance their second unit’s shotmaking and playmaking. According to SNY’s Ian Begley, it would take a significant trade package for the Knicks to acquire Clarkson, as the Utah Jazz value him highly. Clarkson, a former 6th Man of the Year, is under contract for the next year, and the Jazz organization is reportedly fond of him.
If the Knicks pursue Clarkson, it would require substantial trade assets to meet the Jazz’s demands. Walt Perrin, the Knicks’ assistant general manager and former Jazz vice president for player personnel, holds Clarkson in high regard, having played a key role in bringing him to Utah in a midseason trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2019. Despite Clarkson’s individual success in winning the 6th Man of the Year award in 2021, the Jazz fell short in the playoffs, making his potential acquisition a subject of significant consideration for the Knicks.
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