2023 Champion Bruce Brown returns to the Nuggets!

The Denver Nuggets make a strong move early in Free Agency with the return of Bruce Brown to Colorado. The 29-year-old guard (in August) signed a veteran minimum contract for one year, according to ESPN, rejoining the team with which he won the NBA title in 2023.

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

A return to roots after a turbulent journey

This signing came just minutes after the shocking trade of Michael Porter Jr. for Cam Johnson, showing Denver’s intent to restructure its roster around Nikola Jokic. Brown had left the Nuggets after the 2023 title to sign a two-year, $45 million contract with the Indiana Pacers, an offer Denver couldn’t match at the time.

Since leaving the Rockies, Brown’s journey has been chaotic. Traded by Indiana after six months to acquire Pascal Siakam, he then moved through Toronto before landing in New Orleans. Over these last two seasons, he averaged 9.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, shooting 46% from the field and 33% from 3-point range across 108 games.

The missing piece in Denver’s puzzle

Brown was a crucial component of the Nuggets’ 2023 title. In the regular season, he averaged 11.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game while shooting 48% from the field and 36% from 3-point range. Versatile, he alternated between backup point guard, defensive wing, and interior player in small-ball lineups.

His playoff contribution was remarkable, particularly in Game 4 of the NBA Finals where he scored 21 points with three 3-pointers in the 108-95 victory over the Heat. Brown even made the game-winning shot at the end of Game 5, propelling Denver to its first title in history.

The player maintained close ties with his former teammates, still participating in the 2023 champions’ group chats and keeping a two-hour video of all his Denver baskets on his phone. He even attended a playoff game this season at Ball Arena, visiting players and staff after the victory against the Clippers.

I miss playoff basketball

— Bruce Brown (@BruceBrown11) April 22, 2025

This return at the minimum salary gives the Nuggets additional financial flexibility under the first luxury tax threshold, allowing them to consider other recruits after Brown. Denver hopes to recapture the 2023 magic with this player who brings defensive versatility, playmaking, and rim pressure off the bench.