The defending NBA champion New York Knicks have waived veteran guard Bruce Brown ahead of their 2026-27 regular season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday.
ESPN's Shams Charania reported Saturday via X, formerly known as Twitter, that New York decided to part ways with Brown while keeping former No. 2 overall pick James Wiseman on its regular season roster.
“The New York Knicks are waiving Bruce Brown, sources tell ESPN. James Wiseman is set to make the Knicks regular season roster as a reserve center,” Charania reported.
Brown, 30, signed an Exhibit 9 contract with the Knicks in mid-September, giving the organization an opportunity to evaluate the veteran during training camp and preseason action.
Bruce Brown's Knicks exit comes amid second apron concerns
The NBA champion guard previously helped the Denver Nuggets capture their first championship in 2023, establishing himself as a versatile contributor capable of providing defense, playmaking and experience off the bench.
However, New York's limited financial flexibility complicated its roster decisions heading into the regular season.
Brown recently discussed the challenges facing veteran players under the NBA's collective bargaining agreement, particularly those seeking contracts below the league's maximum salary tier.
Article Continues Below“I'm sure there is (frustration). The new CBA is good for max guys, new free agents and rookie extension guys. The middle guys, it kind of sucks for us. There's not a lot of people getting that full mid-level,” Brown said, via SNY Knicks on X. “But that's just the way it is right now.”
Meanwhile, Wiseman's inclusion provides New York with additional frontcourt depth as the franchise prepares to defend its championship.
The Knicks will open their title defense Tuesday, Oct. 20, against the 76ers at Madison Square Garden. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on NBC.