The Denver Nuggets have been hard at work reshaping the roster after back-to-back losses in Game 7 of the second round of the NBA playoffs. After comments from President Stan Kroenke, it looked like Nikola Jokić’s future was in jeopardy in Denver.
However, through a trade and a re-signing, the franchise has tried to alter its roster and find the ideal two-way pieces to surround its supernova star. While the trade was shocking in its own right, bringing back a member of their 2023 championship roster might be a stroke of genius for new head coach David Adelman.
Denver Nuggets Bring Back Bruce Brown Jr., Trying To Find Championship Roots Again
During their run to the 2023 NBA title, a key component of their postseason rotation was the contributions from Bruce Brown Jr. Bringing instant energy, strong perimeter defense, and a high basketball IQ, Brown fit in on the team seamlessly.
However, seeking a new contract, Brown left in free agency immediately, joining the Indiana Pacers on a two-year deal worth $45 million. Unfortunately, he could not find a stable home away from Denver.
After just 33 games, the Pacers traded him to the Toronto Raptors as part of the Pascal Siakam trade. His tenure with Toronto, too, didn’t last long. Last year, the Raptors parted ways with him, as he was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in the Brandon Ingram trade.
Ending the season with the Pelicans, Brown was looking to find a new team, and the newfound cap space in Denver allowed the Nuggets to bring back their invaluable role player. Shams Charania broke the news in a tweet.
Free agent Bruce Brown Jr. has agreed to a one-year deal with the Denver Nuggets, sources tell ESPN. The 2023 NBA champion for the Nuggets returns to Denver. CAA’s Ty Sullivan and Steven Heumann finalized the deal tonight with the Nuggets. pic.twitter.com/YZV094pUs0
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2025
It read, “Free agent Bruce Brown Jr. has agreed to a one-year deal with the Denver Nuggets, sources tell ESPN. The 2023 NBA champion for the Nuggets returns to Denver. CAA’s Ty Sullivan and Steven Heumann finalized the deal tonight with the Nuggets.”
It immediately gives Denver some wing depth and a huge upgrade over Porter defensively. After the Minnesota Timberwolves last year, the eventual NBA Champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, put the three-time MVP away in a heartbreaking Game 7 loss. At the time, it became clear that Denver needed to reset its roster to go back to championship contention.
In the first hours of free agency, that vision is coming to life in quick succession. Firstly, it was a blockbuster trade, parting ways with former lottery pick Michael Porter Jr. in exchange for Cam Johnson.
A clear chance to reset their salary cap situation, it got them out from under Porter’s deal, which included an average annual value of $36 million. Now, with cap space readily available for the organization, they are bringing back the old face. But for a team that wants to make it back to playing basketball in June, more moves might be on the horizon.