{"id":828814,"date":"2026-09-05T19:06:22","date_gmt":"2026-09-05T19:06:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/828814\/"},"modified":"2026-09-05T19:06:22","modified_gmt":"2026-09-05T19:06:22","slug":"free-agents-2023-statement-hints-about-cavaliers-signing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/828814\/","title":{"rendered":"Free Agent\u2019s 2023 Statement Hints About Cavaliers Signing"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"Cleveland\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGetty\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 16: Bruce Brown #1 of the Brooklyn Nets goes to the basket as Cedi Osman #16 of the Cleveland Cavaliers defends during the first half at Barclays Center on May 16, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

A free agent\u2019s 2023 statement may have provided a cheeky hint that he may want to be with the Cleveland Cavaliers<\/a> next season.<\/p>\n

In his appearance on The Dan Le Batard Show in 2023, free agent Bruce Brown praised James Harden<\/a> as a teammate during their time together with the Brooklyn Nets<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Bruce Brown Praises James Harden<\/p>\n

\n\"DallasGettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK \u2013 FEBRUARY 27: Luka Doncic<\/a> #77 of the Dallas Mavericks<\/a> looks to pass as Bruce Brown #1 and James Harden #13 of the Brooklyn Nets defend during the first half at Barclays Center on February 27, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier\/Getty Images)\n<\/p>\n

According to Brown, Harden was one of the best teammates he had, as he changed the atmosphere of the locker room they shared. His statements also have extra weight as he compared Harden to their former star teammates Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen James was there, obviously it was more fun,\u201d Brown said. \u201cHe did hold a lot of events for us. When he left, the locker room was kind of quiet. Nobody really did much together.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJames was a great teammate on and off the court. Definitely was one of the best teammates I\u2019ve ever had. Especially having some good times out. He\u2019s a different breed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bruce Brown on being Harden\u2019s teammate in Brooklyn: <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen James was there, obviously it was more fun\u2026 He did hold a lot of events for us. When he left, the locker room was kind of quiet. Nobody really did much together.\u201d<\/p>\n

(via @LeBatardShow<\/a>) <\/p>\n

This could be a hint from Brown that he wants to play for the Harden-led Cavaliers next season. The Cavaliers are one of the top contenders next season in the Eastern Conference, considering that they retained their core of Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley<\/a> and Jarrett Allen, which reached the Eastern Conference Finals last season.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Brown is currently an unrestricted free agent after playing the 2025-2026 NBA season with the Denver Nuggets<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The 30-year-old guard remains one of the top available veterans late in the 2026 offseason, due to his high motor, positionless defensive versatility, and his history as a key contributor to Denver\u2019s 2023 championship run.<\/p>\n

Last season, Brown proved his durable utility by appearing in all 82 regular-season games, averaging 7.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting a career-high 38.5% from beyond the arc.<\/p>\n

The Cavaliers could use him as a value small-ball wing as a starter or off the bench with minimal contract commitment, especially considering that they lost the likes of Dennis Schroder and Dean Wade<\/a> this offseason.\u00a0<\/p>\n

New York Knicks, Los Angeles Also Linked To Bruce Brown<\/p>\n

\n\"DenverGettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA \u2013 MAY 20: Bruce Brown #11 of the Denver Nuggets celebrates after making a three point basket during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers<\/a> in game three of the Western Conference Finals at Crypto.com Arena on May 20, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How\/Getty Images)\n<\/p>\n

Bruce Brown is also linked to major market teams such as the New York Knicks<\/a> and the Los Angeles Lakers.<\/p>\n

However, for NBA<\/a> insider Brett Siegel, the Knicks, the reigning NBA champions, are the likely landing spot, if it goes down between the aforementioned two squads.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s been some talk about the Lakers wanting Bruce Brown after missing out on Kuminga, but I\u2019m not really sure how much I believe that,\u201d Siegel said in ClutchScoops. \u201cI would cast doubt on the Lakers. Could they make it happen? Maybe. But I would look at the Knicks as a realistic option. He could come in and play that Josh Hart-type role for the Knicks. I think, personally for me, that would be a really good fit.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nevertheless, Brown can still sign with the Denver Nuggets and return to the franchise that made him a championship-level player.\u00a0<\/p>\n

However, if the price is right, Brown could see himself on another team next season and potentially help another title contender reach the NBA\u2019s mountaintop once again.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tRob Andrew Lo<\/a> Rob Andrew Lo is a writer at Heavy Sports and is covering the NBA. He has covered local, collegiate, professional and international sports in various sites. He was the sports editor of The Varsitarian, the official student publication of University of Santo Tomas, and a sports, entertainment, and lifestyle writer for Rappler.
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\nA Journalism graduate from the University of Santo Tomas, he has built his voice across both collegiate and international platforms, previously contributing NBA coverage to Fansided and Sportskeeda.
\n More about Rob Andrew Lo<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n

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