The punitive second apron has kept Bruce Brown’s options limited this past free agency, which prompted him to accept the New York Knicks’ Exhibit 9 deal.
Bruce Brown finds himself desperately fighting for another opportunity in the NBA after encountering minimal interest during his unrestricted free agency.
According to Brown, the league’s second apron was repeatedly brought up by teams as a reason they could not sign him this past offseason.
“I heard that all summer,” Brown said, per Stefan Bondy of the New York Post.
Bruce Brown seeking to play for 2026-27 NBA season after lowly free agency
With less than two weeks left before the opener, Bruce Brown has yet to secure a permanent spot to play for the 2026-27 NBA season.
Brown entered free agency after reuniting with the Denver Nuggets last season, where he averaged 7.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists across all 82 games.
Despite being an NBA champion and one of the most versatile role players in the league, Brown failed to sign any standard deals this past summer, which led him to accept the New York Knicks’ Exhibit 9 offer.
Brown is in the mix with several other league veterans such as Drew Eubanks and James Wiseman in getting the 14th roster spot of the defending NBA champions.
Bruce Brown embraces challenge to keep himself in the NBA
In the end, despite the tough situation he is facing, Bruce Brown accepts the challenge of fighting for another chance to play in the NBA.
Brown played 10 minutes in the New York Knicks’ 120-97 preseason opener loss against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, tallying just two points.
“You got to prove yourself every year. I’ve been on eight teams in nine years. Every year you got to prove yourself, prove you’ve gotten better,” Brown said. “But with this team obviously the first and second units are pretty set, I’d say. So obviously I’d have to provide a winning attitude.
“I’m fighting for a job right now. So any role they give me, I’d be happy to do it.”
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