The Denver Nuggets made a significant move to secure the future of one of their most promising young players after securing almost every roster spot for the upcoming NBA season. The reigning Western Conference champions rewarded Christian Braun with a well-earned contract extension, a deal that signals both trust and long-term vision from the franchise.
While teammate Peyton Watson will have to wait until the offseason for his restricted free agency, Braun’s situation was more straightforward. After stepping into a starting role last season and thriving, the 24-year-old guard made himself impossible to overlook.
Replacing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope — the defensive anchor and sharpshooter who helped Denver capture its first NBA championship — was never going to be easy. With a remarkable 66.5% true shooting percentage and an average of 15.4 points per game, the former Kansas Jayhawk became one of the NBA’s top transition scorers. His connection with Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray has only strengthened Denver’s offensive chemistry.
From deep, Christian Braun shot 39.7% from three, nearly replicating Caldwell-Pope’s 40.6% mark from the title season. Although he took fewer attempts, his accuracy proved that his shooting could be relied upon in big moments.
So, when the Nuggets signed Christian Braun to a five-year, $125 million contract, some fans questioned whether it was too generous. But when compared to similar deals around the league, the extension looks like solid business — not an overpay.
Recent player extensions provide helpful context. Jabari Smith Jr. signed a five-year, $122 million contract with Houston, Herb Jones landed a three-year, $68 million deal in New Orleans, Shaedon Sharpe got $90 million over four years in Portland, and Dyson Daniels secured a four-year, $100 million extension with Atlanta. Each of those players earns between $22–25 million annually, putting Braun’s deal perfectly in line with market value.
Given his age, versatility, and steady improvement, Braun’s contract should be viewed as a smart investment in Denver’s future rather than a gamble.
If his upward trajectory continues, the Nuggets may have found yet another long-term cornerstone — and at a fair price in a rising salary cap era.
