Bruce Brown on the radar of three championship-contending franchises

The Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, and Los Angeles Lakers are emerging as potential destinations for Bruce Brown, a defensively skilled player with playoff experience who has just been waived by the New York Knicks.

The NBA has left Bruce Brown without a team on the eve of the 2026-27 season. The New York Knicks decided to waive the veteran wing to make room for James Wiseman, a decision driven by their interior needs and not necessarily due to the player's lack of utility.

At 30 years old, Brown still offers an attractive profile for any championship contender: he can defend multiple positions, assist in playmaking, attack space without the ball, and bring intensity without demanding offensive prominence. In addition, he arrives after playing all 82 regular-season games with the Denver Nuggets, averaging 7.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1 steal, with a shooting percentage of 47.5% from the field and a notable 38.5% from three-point range.

His experience with the Denver team that won the championship in 2023 strengthens his candidacy as a rotational addition. Here are the three franchises that could benefit the most from signing him.

1. Los Angeles Lakers: a complement for Luka Doncic

The Los Angeles Lakers emerge as one of the most intriguing landing spots for Brown. With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves as the main playmakers, the Los Angeles franchise needs players who can contribute in other areas: perimeter defense, rebounding, ball movement, and off-ball work.

Brown would fit that role. He wouldn't need to accumulate shots to be useful and could take on demanding defensive matchups, as well as provide an alternative for JJ Redick's rotations. His experience as a champion would also be an added value for a team aspiring to compete for the title.

He would not solve all the Lakers' problems nor would he be a signing that could single-handedly change the team's ceiling. However, adding a reliable player to complete the rotation could matter more in the playoffs than in October. Of the three options, Los Angeles seems to be the destination with the clearest reasons to consider signing him.

2. Denver Nuggets: a sensible reunion

Denver knows perfectly well what Brown can offer. The wing was part of the championship team in 2023 and returned to the Nuggets for the 2025-26 season, so he understands how to play alongside Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.

His ability to cut to the rim, run the fast break, defend players of various positions, and make good decisions without monopolizing the ball would fit again in the Nuggets' system. His last season also showed he can remain available throughout the regular season.

Bringing back Brown would allow Denver to add depth and experience without requiring him to replicate his best version from the 2023 playoffs. The question would be to determine what minutes he would have available and if the franchise feels it needs to strengthen that profile within its roster.

3. Houston Rockets: more depth to compete in the West

The Houston Rockets have a deep roster led by Kevin Durant, Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun. Still, adding another versatile wing could expand Ime Udoka's options against various matchups.

Brown could provide defense, secondary ball handling, and the ability to play off the ball around the main offensive references. His perimeter shooting of 38.5% from three during the last season would also be relevant for a franchise that needs to leverage the space created by its stars.

Houston does not need Brown to become a 15-point scorer every night. His potential value would lie in strengthening the second unit and providing solutions in physical games, especially when the opponent forces adjustments to the usual rotations.

In summary, Brown represents an opportunity for teams seeking an experienced and adaptable player without the need for a significant operation. The Lakers are particularly attractive due to their fit alongside Doncic, while Denver knows his strengths firsthand, and Houston could take advantage of his versatility. For now, all three are proposed destinations based on the analysis, not confirmed signings or officially announced negotiations.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Bruce Brown, en el radar de tres franquicias aspirantes al anillo