Bruce Brown Chooses Nuggets Over Lakers, Suns

Merlin sees Bruce Brown elected to return to the Denver Nuggets on a one-year, $3.1 million deal despite reported interest from the Lakers and Suns. Brown — the 2022-23 sixth man who keeps a highlight reel on his phone — said, "I'm just gonna go back to Denver because I just think it's a perfect fit for me." Healthy after knee arthroscopy and familiar with Denver’s system, his return strengthens what could be the league’s best bench and matters for a title chase against the West’s top teams. Merlin notes the choice was about fit and winning more than money: he sat courtside to "prove a point" and stayed connected to teammates. On a short deal Brown is both trusted depth and an audition; if he recaptures his 2022-23 form, Denver’s rotation gains a decisive swing player, but minutes are crowded with new additions.