NBA

Who is Bruce Brown Jr.? Meet the veteran guard involved in Pascal Siakam trade between Raptors and Pacers

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Bruce Brown Jr.
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The Raptors have traded Pascal Siakam.

After months of speculation, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news that Toronto has agreed to trade the two-time All-Star to Indiana for Bruce Brown Jr., Jordan Nwora and three first-round picks.

Of the two, Brown is the more interesting player for the Raptors. He's not on quite the same timeline as Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett, but he has the potential to fit alongside the three of them perfectly.

Who is Brown? Here's what you need to know about the newest Raptor.

MORE: Pascal Siakam trade grades: Pacers add star, Raptors focus on future

Who is Bruce Brown Jr.?

Brown is a 27-year-old guard from Boston, Massachusetts.

Following two seasons at the University of Miami, the Pistons selected Brown with the No. 42 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. In the six seasons since, he's played for the Nets, Nuggets and Pacers.

Brown established himself as a valuable rotation player in Brooklyn, where he played alongside Kyrie Irving, James Harden and Kevin Durant. He then played a key role in the Nuggets winning last season's championship as the team's sixth man.

Brown joins the Raptors with career averages of 8.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.

The most points Brown has ever scored in an NBA game is 31, done last season as a Nugget.

What does Bruce Brown Jr. bring to the Raptors?

Brown is one of the funkiest role players in the NBA.

When he played alongside Irving, Harden and Durant, the Nets used Brown as a 6-4 big man. He thrived as the screener in pick-and-rolls, punishing teams for throwing multiple defenders at Brooklyn's stars with floaters.

Since then, Brown has improved as a ball handler and 3-point shooter. He's connected on only 32.7 percent of his 3-point attempts this season, but he shot 40.4 percent from the perimeter in his final season with the Nets and 35.8 percent in his one season with the Nuggets.

Brown is also a physical defender who can guard multiple positions. He can play next to pretty much anyone.

What's a good fun fact about Bruce Brown Jr.?

I'm so glad you asked!

Brown is one of only four players who have recorded a triple-double in a Summer League game. In 2019, he went for 11 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists in a matchup with the 76ers.

Another fun fact: Brown's nickname on Basketball Reference is "Cowboy Bruce." If you're wondering why...

Bruce Brown Jr. contract details

Brown signed a two-year, $45 million contract with the Pacers in the 2023 offseason. His deal includes a team option for the 2024-25 season.

Season Salary
2023-24 $22,000,000
2024-25 $23,000,000 (TO)

At the end of this contract, Brown's career earnings will reach $60.0 million.

Author(s)
Scott Rafferty Photo

Scott Rafferty is a Senior NBA Editor for The Sporting News