Bruce Brown indicating he wants to join 1 contender at trade deadline?

Apr 20, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Bruce Brown (1) during warms ups before the game against New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Bruce Brown appears to be saying it with his chest ahead of the Feb. 8 trade deadline.

The veteran NBA swingman Brown made some notable comments to Jared Schwartz of the New York Post over the weekend. Speaking before a game against the New York Knicks on Saturday, Brown, who is currently with the Toronto Raptors, indicated that he would like to join the Knicks before the deadline. He also expressed particular admiration for Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau.

“I am a dog,” said Brown. “I play extremely hard on both ends of the floor. I can do just about whatever [Thibodeau] needs me to do.

“I play extremely hard,” Brown continued. “I would think [I’m] the type of player that he likes. Every time we play Thibs, I go up to him and shake his hand, just because of what he’s done. Nothing but respect for Thibs.”

The 27-year-old Brown, an NBA champion with the Denver Nuggets last year, was just traded from the Indiana Pacers to the Raptors in the Pascal Siakam deal. He is not expected to remain with Toronto beyond the trade deadline though, and the Knicks have already been mentioned as a likely suitor. They need more oomph off the bench after gutting depth in their trade for OG Anunoby and still have at least one appealing asset to offer.

Brown might have some awkwardness to overcome with the Knicks since he used to take shots at them as a member of the rival Brooklyn Nets. But he may be in luck at the trade deadline regardless since he also has interest from the other glamour market.