For teams that aren’t shopping among the top tiers of the NBA free agent list, like the Los Angeles Lakers, a player like Denver Nuggets swingman Bruce Brown stands out on paper. Millions just witnessed the versatile two-way stud help the Nuggets claim their first NBA Finals championship in franchise history, but the soon-to-be free agent has impressed for several years.
The soon-to-be 27-year-old, who’s capable of guarding positions 1-3 on the floor, is expected to generate a lot of interest on the open market. Yet, there’s a sense the Nuggets strongly want their new champion to return for a second season and have a chance to repeat.
However, the Nuggets don’t have much cap space available and can only offer up to $7.8 million per season. Should he hit the open market, Brown would land a much larger deal after his inspired postseason performance.
- Bruce Brown’s stats last season: 11.5 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 48% FG, 35% 3PT
One team who could come calling is the Los Angeles Lakers, who also have several free agency decisions of their own to make. Yet, according to Michael Singer of the Denver Post, the Lakers are expected to have “significant interest” in Brown once free agency gets underway on Friday at 6 PM ET.
Unlike the Nuggets, the Lakers have their full Mid-Level Exception (MLE) available, being able to offer Brown a contract worth up to $12.3 million annually. This could give them the advantage, yet other free agency options could just as easily entice the Lakers too.