Christian Braun and Nuggets Secure 5-Year $125 Million Rookie Contract Extension Agreement
The Denver Nuggets have shown their commitment to young talent by extending Christian Braun’s contract. The five-year agreement is valued at $125 million and was reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Contract Details
Christian Braun, originally set to earn $4.9 million in the final year of his rookie deal for the 2025-26 season, will now see significant financial rewards. Reports indicated he sought a contract starting at around $25 million per year, which the Nuggets have confirmed.
Player Development
Drafted as the 21st pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Braun made notable improvements during his third season. Over 79 games, he averaged:
- 15.4 points
- 5.2 rebounds
- 2.6 assists
- 1.1 steals
This performance marks a significant increase from 7.3 points per game in his sophomore year. Only one other player, Dyson Daniels of the Atlanta Hawks, matched or exceeded this scoring jump.
Efficiency and Playoff Performance
Braun was efficient on the court, boasting shooting percentages of:
- 58.0% from the field
- 39.7% from three-point range
During the playoffs, he ranked fourth on the Nuggets with an average of 12.6 points per game, alongside:
- 6.4 rebounds
- 2.4 assists
- 1.2 steals
Despite the Nuggets’ elimination in the Western Conference Semifinals, their performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder showcased Braun’s potential.
Future Outlook
The Nuggets are focused on competing for a championship. This offseason, they have added key players, including swingman Cameron Johnson from the Brooklyn Nets. However, they did not make a selection in the 2025 draft, emphasizing Braun’s importance within their young core.
If he continues to grow, Braun may play a crucial role in the Nuggets’ pursuit of another title.
