The Denver Nuggets were quietly preparing a reunion.
But now? The Pelicans are preparing a heist.
Bruce Brown, the beloved swingman who helped deliver a title to Denver in 2023, is once again a free agent. And this time, Nuggets fans thought the stars were aligning: his $23 million contract expiring, his courtside appearances in Denver, and even his comments about the David Adelman hiring made it feel like a comeback was inevitable.
But according to inside reports, New Orleans might be about to shatter those hopes.
The Pelicans are reportedly considering a sign-and-trade deal for Brown — a move that would give him a bigger payday, send him to a contender of his choice, and leave Denver completely out of the picture. Why? Because the Nuggets can’t compete financially or with trade assets.
Denver only has a taxpayer mid-level exception ($5.7M/year) or a veteran minimum to offer — pennies compared to what other teams might pay in a sign-and-trade scenario.
Despite the buzz and mutual interest, Brown’s future may no longer be in his old Mile High stomping grounds.
“It certainly seems like a return in free agency would be welcomed by both teams,” sources said — but New Orleans has other plans.
The Nuggets simply don’t have the draft capital or appealing young players to get a deal done, especially one that would involve New Orleans cooperating in a sign-and-trade. That’s a death sentence for Denver’s chances — unless Brown decides to take a significant pay cut just to chase another ring.
“Ultimately, Brown holds the cards.”
If he chooses heart over money, he could join Nikola Jokic again for another title run. But if he wants financial security, Denver will be watching from the sidelines as their championship X-factor slips away.
💣 The Pelicans aren’t just making moves — they might be erasing Denver’s biggest offseason hope before it even starts.
