A player that the New York Knicks have been linked to ahead of the Feb. 8 trade deadline made a not-so-subtle pitch to join the team after playing them this weekend.
The Knicks were the first team to make a big splash in the trade market this season when they swung a blockbuster deal for 3-and-D stud OG Anunoby. And the move has seemed like a stroke of genius as the defensive ace has fit in seamlessly with his new team and they have won nine of their last 11.
Related: New York Knicks reportedly ‘got rid of the softies’ in recent trades
However, it is unlikely New York is done making deals this year. In the trade for Anunoby, they weakened their bench by sending talented sixth man Immanuel Quickley to Toronto. Since the move, there has been speculation about what players they could target to boost their reserves for the postseason and Denver Nuggets veteran Bruce Brown Jr. is one name linked to the team.
Brown Jr. signed a notable free agent contract with the Indiana Pacers this summer but was recently traded to the Raptors in the deal that sent All-Star Pascal Siakam to Indy. There is a belief around the league Toronto could soon move Brown Jr. again.
Bruce Brown Jr. angles for a return to NYC with New York Knicks
The Raptors faced the Knicks on Saturday and the former Brooklyn Nets player was asked about the possibility of being traded back to New York, and he unexpectedly made a pitch for why he is a good fit for the system of head coach Tom Thibodeau.
“I play extremely hard. I would think [I’m] the type of player that he likes.” Brown Jr. said after the Knicks 126-100 win over the Raptors. “Every time we play Thibs I go up to him and shake his hand, just because of what he’s done. Nothing but respect for Thibs.”
Furthermore, Brown Jr. admits that after playing two seasons with the Nets, he developed a love for the city and is not at all opposed to a return.
“I love New York,” he said. “I hated New York before I lived here, but as soon as I moved here I loved it. Anytime you want to do something you can go do it. Great restaurants, great city, I love being back.”
While he’s not the explosive scorer they could use off the bench, his style of play is perfect for Thibodeau’s system and the city. He is a gritty player who can guard multiple positions, is a strong rebounder out of the backcourt, and is a solid three-point shooter. Plus, he has been a part of a team that has won it all when he was a key part of the Nuggets title team last year.