Former Denver Nuggets champion Bruce Brown is back on the free-agent market after the New York Knicks waived him on Saturday. The decision came as the Knicks finalized their roster, opting to keep center James Wiseman instead of the veteran wing. Brown's release concludes a brief preseason audition where he averaged 3.7 points and 1.7 rebounds in three games.
The news broke as the Nuggets wrapped their own preseason schedule with a 106-121 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on October 16. Denver's focus now shifts to their regular season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 22. Brown's sudden availability adds an interesting subplot for teams seeking experienced depth.
Brown joined the Knicks for training camp on a non-guaranteed deal, competing for a final roster spot. He played 12.7 minutes per game across three preseason appearances, shooting 50.0% from the field. His production was limited, however, and the Knicks faced roster flexibility issues.
NBA insider Marc Stein noted the team was "unable to this point to find a trade to create more roster flexibility." This led directly to Brown's release. The Knicks chose to retain former No. 2 overall pick James Wiseman as a reserve center, ending Brown's hope of sticking in New York.
Brown is a beloved figure in Denver after his key role in the 2023 championship run. His versatility and defensive energy were vital. He returned for the 2025-26 season, appearing in all 82 games and shooting 38.5% from three-point range.
His release makes him an unrestricted free agent. While a reunion seems unlikely given Denver's current roster construction, his situation is monitored by Nuggets fans. The team itself is locked in on its current group, which just completed a 4-1 preseason. Their wins included a 133-128 victory over Chicago on October 11 and a 117-106 win in Utah on October 6.
Bruce Brown is now free to negotiate with any team. At 30, he offers playoff experience and a proven ability to guard multiple positions. His market will be among contenders looking for a reliable rotation piece.
For the Denver Nuggets, the immediate future is about the regular season. They finalize preparations after a preseason that saw highs, like the 133-point outing against Chicago, and a 122-110 loss to the LA Clippers on October 14. The opening night matchup in Oklahoma City is the sole focus.
The team's preseason performance, particularly the efficient win over the Lakers, provides a solid foundation. Integrating any new elements will be the final task before the games start to count.
