The Golden State Warriors once again prioritized a reunion with Gary Payton II in free agency, but it's a decision they may come to regret after the New York Knicks stole Bruce Brown in a savvy free agency move on Wednesday.
The Knicks didn't steal Brown in the traditional sense given he was available for well over two months, yet landing the former Denver Nuggets champion on a training camp contract is still a massive win that belies his capacity as a still legitimate rotation player in the league.
Warriors may regret Gary Payton II move after Knicks sign Bruce Brown
Brown was briefly linked to the Warriors last offseason before he rejoined the Nuggets where he'd played a key role in their 2023 championship. The 6'4" guard has long been considered a Warrior-style player with his two-way versatility, and ability to handle the ball as a secondary playmaker.
After appearing in just 41 games the year before, Brown enjoyed a bounce-back season in Denver where he played in all 82 games, averaging 7.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.0 steal in 24.4 minutes.
He also had a near career-best season from 3-point range, with his perimeter shooting often seen as the major weakness to his game. Brown shot 38.5% from beyond the arc on nearly two attempts per game, proving well above the 34.4% he's shot for his career.
These productive numbers make it genuinely shocking that Brown wasn't able to garner a guaranteed minimum contract at the very least, having now been forced into a training camp deal where he'll battle alongside other recent additions in John Konchar, Drew Eubanks, Ochai Agbaji and former Warrior lottery pick James Wiseman.
Warriors could have replaced Gary Payton II with Bruce Brown
There's enough limitations in both players to suggest it would make little sense for Payton and Brown to be on the same roster together, but the latter could have been a viable alternative if Golden State wanted to go in a different direction.
The Warriors likely decided there wasn't enough upside in the move to justify losing the chemistry and locker room presence Payton has built, having been part of the franchise for over half a decade intertwined by his brief stint with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Still, it's a move Golden State could come to regret if Brown can make the Knicks opening night roster and have an impact in the franchise's quest for back-to-back NBA championships.
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