Apr 12, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Bruce Brown (11) dunks during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
The NBA free agent market has dried up a lot from where it was at the start of the summer. With most of the best, impactful players already off the board, options are limited for teams that want to make that one last roster addition.
Even so, NBA veteran Bruce Brown is one notable name still available, and multiple teams have expressed interest in a deal. Besides the Lakers, the New York Knicks have joined the fold, and they are being described as an especially good fit for the two-way swingman.
“There’s been some talk about the Lakers wanting Bruce Brown after missing out on Kuminga, but I’m not really sure how much I believe that,” said Brett Seigel of ClutchPoints. “I would cast doubt on the Lakers. Could they make it happen? Maybe. But I would look at the Knicks as a realistic option. He could come in and play that Josh Hart-type role for the Knicks. I think, personally for me, that would be a really good fit.”
As a veteran wing valued at the veteran’s minimum, Bruce Brown is probably the most coveted athlete left in free agency, but it’s unclear which way he’s leaning. With stints on the Nuggets, Nets, Pistons, Pacers, and Pelicans, he’s been somewhat of a journeyman throughout his career, with his most notable stop being in Denver, where he helped them win the title in 2023. His overall production has dipped in the years since, but he stands out as a positive addition for any NBA contender right now, including the Knicks.
Coming off their first championship in 53 years, the Knicks aren’t desperate to make any roster moves, but they could use an extra punch off the bench after the departure of backup center Mitchell Robinson. With limited flexibility, the Knicks only have so much to offer, but Bruce Brown might be lured by the chance to compete in the NBA’s biggest market.
At 30, Brown is still in his athletic prime, and he brings years of valuable championship experience. Being 6’4″, he’s a bit undersized for the position, but he makes up for it with his high motor, defensive toughness, and high basketball IQ. Last season, in 82 games, Brown averaged 7.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.2 blocks per game on 47.5% shooting from the field.
On the Knicks, Brown would not play a starting role on the wing (that belongs to Josh Hart), but he could act as a sixth man off the bench, providing scoring when needed while bringing a defensive edge on the perimeter. Being able to play multiple positions, Brown’s arrival would improve the Knicks’ flexibility, giving them the ability to adjust to various lineups.
For now, it remains to be seen what happens with Bruce Brown, but it’s only a matter of time before he signs a new contract. Someone with his experience, skill set, and mentality can help in countless ways, and it would be no risk at all for the Knicks to bring him in as their final move of the summer.