On Monday, it was announced that former Jayhawk Christian Braun had reached an agreement to extend his contract with the Denver Nuggets. The deal is reportedly worth $125 million over five years ($25 million per year).
Braun is currently on his four-year rookie contract worth 13.7 million ($3.4 million per year). His new deal will take effect after the 2025-26 NBA season, which tips off on Tuesday night, October 21.
Braun arrived in Denver after being selected by the Nuggets with the 21st overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Denver knew it had a "win-now" prospect but still took time with his development. In his rookie season, he came off the bench and was a key contributor to the Nuggets playoff run.
After helping the Nuggets capture their first title in franchise history in 2023, he was immediately cemented as a fan favorite in Denver.
Braun has improved significantly each season since his arrival in the NBA. In his rookie year, he averaged 4.7 points and 2.4 rebounds. In his second season, he totaled 7.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. Last season, Braun compiled averages of 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. If he continues to develop as he has shown recently on the stat sheet, he has a real opportunity to break out into stardom this season.
The former NCAA and NBA champion heads into the new season with big expectations and goals. He has emerged as one of the four core players on the Denver Nuggets (along with Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon), and will need to perform at a high level if they want a chance to hoist another Larry O'Brien trophy in June.
The Nuggets clearly believe in Christian Braun, and are demonstrating their loyalty to him with this massive contract extension. The young man is reaching heights that no one from Burlington, Kansas ever thought possible.
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