Caleb Martin, who declined his $7 million player option for the 2024-25 season, has opted to enter free agency. According to projections from the Bleacher Report Live Stream, Martin is seeking a contract worth upwards of $20 million annually. Realistically, he might expect to earn slightly less from the right team in the right situation.
One intriguing option for both Martin and the Heat involves a sign-and-trade deal with the Toronto Raptors. This scenario would see Martin traded for a versatile player who won a championship with the Denver Nuggets following the 2022-23 season—Bruce Brown.
“Sign and trade: Bruce Brown for Caleb Martin,” suggested the Bleacher Report Live Streamers on Tuesday, July 2. “If Caleb’s like, ‘Look, I’m leaving.’ Why not give Miami that cap flexibility by providing them with an expiring contract in Bruce Brown? Brown probably plays for Miami next year and is a decent fit. And then the Raptors get a wing, which they desperately need.”
This proposed deal could benefit all parties involved. The Heat would gain cap flexibility and a solid contributor in Brown, while the Raptors would acquire a much-needed wing player in Martin. As the offseason progresses, this potential sign-and-trade deal could become a reality, reshaping the rosters of both teams in a mutually beneficial way.
Bruce Brown Has Had Eclectic Career Over 6 Years in NBA
Bruce Brown has carved out a solid NBA career despite playing for five different teams: the Detroit Pistons, Brooklyn Nets, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and Toronto Raptors over his six-year tenure.
Standing at 6-foot-4, Brown notably teamed up with stars like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden during his stint with the Brooklyn Nets, often starting and playing in the frontcourt. His career highlight came during the 2022-23 season with the Nuggets, where he averaged a career-best 11.5 points per game as a small forward. He played a pivotal role in the Nuggets’ regular season success, appearing in 80 of 82 games before they went on to dominate in the playoffs and win the championship.
In July 2023, the Indiana Pacers rewarded Brown with a significant contract, signing him to a two-year deal worth $45 million. The second year of this contract, slated for next season, is currently a team option held by the Toronto Raptors, who acquired his rights in January 2024.
Throughout his career, Brown has maintained averages of 8.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 0.9 steals per game, according to Basketball Reference. He boasts a career 3-point shooting percentage of 33.7%, attempting 1.8 shots per game from beyond the arc. However, his shooting prowess peaked during Denver’s championship season, where he shot nearly 36% from 3-point range. Notably, he achieved a 40.4% 3-point shooting rate during his tenure with the Nets the season prior.
Brown’s versatility, defensive prowess, and experience in playoff contention make him a valuable asset for teams looking to bolster their rotations with a reliable two-way player.
Caleb Martin Made NBA Name for Himself With Monster ECF Series Against Celtics in 2023
Getty Images captured Caleb Martin, formerly of the Miami Heat, defending against Damian Lillard, formerly of the Portland Trail Blazers.
While Bruce Brown isn’t a direct replacement for Martin, he brings a versatile skill set that could help Miami fill the void left by the departure of their key wing player who played a significant role over the past three seasons.
Martin’s departure will be felt by the Heat, especially after he achieved career-high averages of 10.0 points and 2.2 assists per game last season, starting 23 times in 64 regular-season appearances, according to Basketball Reference.
His impact was particularly notable during the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics, where he averaged 19.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. Martin also showcased impressive shooting, hitting 48.9% from beyond the arc in the Heat’s seven-game series victory.
However, Martin and Miami ultimately fell short in the Finals against Brown and the Denver Nuggets, losing the series in five games.