NBA champion Bruce Brown declines $6.8 million player option, will enter free agency

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Bruce Brown is set to become a free agent after declining his $6.8 million player option with the NBA-champion Denver Nuggets, a person with knowledge of the decision said Wednesday.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the move hasn’t been announced. The NBA free agency period opens next week.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Denver Nuggets forward Bruce Brown hugs the championship trophy during a rally to mark the Denver Nuggets first NBA basketball championship Thursday, June 15, 2023, in Denver.  (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Brown signed with Denver last summer and became an integral piece off the bench for the Nuggets. He can play either guard position or small forward and averaged 12 points and four rebounds in a postseason that culminated with Denver knocking off Miami in five games during the Finals to win its first NBA title.

VICTOR WEMBANYAMA READY FOR THE SPOTLIGHT AS THE NBA DRAFT NEARS

Denver Nuggets forward Bruce Brown celebrates during a rally and parade to mark the teams first NBA basketball championship on Thursday, June 15, 2023, in Denver.  (AP Photo/David Zalubowski))

Nuggets coach Michael Malone said at the Nuggets’ championship parade last week the team wants to keep Brown in their bid to defend their title. But the Nuggets cannot offer him more than $7.8 million for next season; if he stays, Brown would be eligible for a four-year deal in Denver starting in 2024-25, with an initial salary of about $14 million.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Miami Heat guard Gabe Vincent, left, and Denver Nuggets forward Bruce Brown compete for possession