Knicks’ Bruce Brown decision gives 76ers a clean shot at an upgrade

The Philadelphia 76ers have their roster set for the regular season, but that should not in any way preclude the front office from seeking further upgrades. Luckily for them, the Knicks might have just given them a clean shot to do exactly that after their divisive decision to cut ties with veteran wing Bruce Brown after the preseason.

Brown, who helped the Nuggets win the championship in 2023, saw his market completely dry up this summer. As such, he had to settle for a training camp deal with the Knicks, the defending champions. Unfortunately for him, with New York already having a boatload of options at the position he plays, he was shown the door shortly before the regular season began. Now, the 76ers can have him on their short list of possible midseason additions.

The 76ers can now target Bruce Brown after Knicks cut ties with him

Earlier, it was reported that the 76ers actually did have interest in Bruce Brown, but after filling their veteran minimum spots with LeBron James and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, the front office simply did not have room to bring him in. For now, that remains to be the case. But the 76ers can always do some roster gymnastics if they truly want in on Brown.

While there are probably too many people overrating Brown at this point in his career thanks to his brilliant play during the Nuggets’ title run, there is still a lot to like about his potential fit in Philly. The 76ers, loaded with star power and shot creation, do need players who can provide intangibles and defensive range.

Brown is a bit of a jack of all trades, but his ability to guard one through four despite his undersized frame and experience as a secondary ball handler will be an upgrade for the 76ers at the end of their bench. Right now, Justin Edwards –– their third-string wing –– has not shown enough improvement for him to warrant minutes. If it comes to a point where the front office cuts ties with him, Brown would be a great, low-cost upgrade over the younger wing.

The 76ers are no longer lacking in the experience department, but a role player like Brown, who has ample mileage being a key player for a champion team, will go a long way for the 76ers. After all, he is stable enough that the coaches can trust him not to shoot himself in the foot.

If the 76ers can create an opening on their roster, Bruce Brown would not be a bad player to occupy that spot. The Knicks parted ways with him due to them having a more pressing need for another big man, but in the grand scheme of things, he still has something left in the tank to be a productive player in spurt.