One Denver Nuggets rising star won’t be cheap to re-sign after his current deal expires.
The Denver Nuggets engaged in a terrific battle with the OKC Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals.
However, after a seven-game series, the Nuggets were sent home. The Nuggets had no answer for the Thunder as they were handed a 125-93 defeat in Game 7.
Although the Nuggets’ journey has been cut short, they have found some new stars along the way. One of them is none other than Christian Braun.
Braun just wrapped up his third season in Denver and with each campaign he has only gotten better.
Although Braun is currently on a four-year, $13.7 million deal, he will become a restricted free agent in the summer of 2026.
NBA expert Bobby Marks recently reported that if the Nuggets intend to bring back Braun, it will cost them at least $30 million per year.
“Extension candidate to watch: Christian Braun, surely. He has helped himself, you can check the boxes off, he should get paid. What is getting paid mean? Jalen Suggs was five for $150 million,” Marks said.
“I would think he would be higher than that, based on where the cap is going. … Christian Braun will get paid, he’s a terrific player, he fits what you’re trying to do. I think the number is at least $30 million per year,” he further added.
Braun has not only found a role on the Nuggets, he has excelled at it. Considering the fact that he’s coming off a career year, it’s no surprise that Marks expects him to make such a massive salary.
Ever since getting drafted into the NBA, Braun has shown terrific durability. He just finished his third-straight season with at least 76 games played.
Moreover, Braun transitioned into a starter in the 2024-25 NBA season as he earned 77 starts in 79 appearances.
In those matchups, Braun averaged 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, which are all career-highs for the 24-year-old.
Heading into the postseason, Braun contributed 12.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game for the team. Sure, there was a slight drop in his points and assists, but these are still career-high playoff numbers for the young guard.
