The New Orleans Pelicans should target Bruce Brown in a trade
Trading for Bruce Brown
The member of the Detroit Pistons who would help the Pelicans the most is not a free agent, but he might be available in a trade that wouldn’t cost the Pelicans much.
Bruce Brown is not a name most fans are familiar with, largely because he plays for Detroit. But if Brown were on a contender, you’d know him, as he is a tenacious defender who is on one of the best value contracts in the NBA.
Brown is due $1.66 million next season and that is only partially guaranteed. This is a guy who can defend 1-3, handle the ball, rebound and bring intensity.
Brown isn’t much of a scorer, but his shooting has improved, going from 25.8 percent from 3-point range in his rookie season to 34.4 percent this season.
If he continues to improve, he could eventually be a 3-and-D point guard, which is difficult to find in the NBA. Brown has a massive wingspan and absolutely loves defending.
Putting him in a backcourt with either Lonzo Ball or Jrue Holiday would give the Pelicans one of the best perimeter defenses in the NBA and make them much more versatile overall.
Can Brown be had in a trade? The Pistons would undoubtedly like to pick up a young prospect or another draft pick, as they aren’t going anywhere anyway and risk losing Brown in free agency for nothing.
The Pelicans would be unlikely to part with their lottery pick for Bruce Brown, but they would definitely give up multiple second-round picks.
The Pistons may try to pry Nickeil Alexander-Walker away, which may not be a bad thing, as Brown is only a year older, fits the roster better and is making less money.
Whether the Pistons wanted future picks or a young player, the fit is there and Brown would make the New Orleans Pelicans a better team.
The Detroit Pistons are in the midst of what could be a full tear down, and the New Orleans Pelicans might be able to scavenge their scrap heap for valuable parts.