Denver Nuggets head coach left with egg on his face after ruthless move

01 July 2023 , 10:36

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MIAMI, FLORIDA - JUNE 09: Bruce Brown #11 of the Denver Nuggets reacts after a basket during the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat in Game Four of the 2023 NBA Finals at Kaseya Center on June 09, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) (Image: 2023 Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets head coach Mike Malone has been left with egg on his face after failing to keep Bruce Brown on the team, having bragged about him returning next season.

After playing an important role on the NBA championship winning team, Brown had been heading into free agency this summer - deserving of a new contract. Arguably the Nuggets best defensive player, Brown had been a hugely vital cog in the side, with Malone speaking openly about him returning.

On stage at the Nuggets championship parade, Malone said: "Ya'll tell me, is Brucey B going anywhere? Hell no, hell no - we're running this s*** back!"

But on the opening day of free agency, Brown has signed a deal with the Indiana Pacers.

Brown has signed a a two-year, $45million deal with the Indiana Pacers - a huge bump on what he was set to receive from the Nuggets after being on a one-year, $6.8m contract.

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Brown had wanted to stay in Denver, but the team were not able to match that offer, with the player declining his player option - meaning the Nuggets could only offer him $7.7m per season - considerably less than what he's set to make in Indiana.

The wing defender quickly became a loveable figure in Denver, after speaking honestly on how 'nobody wanted me' when he hit free agency last summer, before signing with the team.

Nuggets head coach Mike Malone told fans they'd be 'running it back' with Brown

He went on to average 12 points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal off the bench in the playoffs, and had regularly been on the floor during the important moments in games - going head-to-head with the oppositions best offensive player.

Brown had a tough few years in the NBA before joining Denver. A second-round pick in 2018 by the Detroit Pistons, he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets after two seasons, being a defensive stopper off the bench - but not getting the recognition that he had since joining the Nuggets.

The Nuggets will now look to find the next Bruce Brown, potentially in the free agent market for an underrated defensive wing player - but with limited cap space to do so.

Michael Porter Jr played an important role on the championship winning team, but could be used as trade bait if the Nuggets are looking to make a big move - with the forward not yet living up to his huge contract.

Charlie Wilson