Braun extension a steal for Nuggets compared to other recent deals

The Christian Braun extension talks have felt like a roller coaster ride for Nuggets fans this offseason. It seemed like a sure thing when the season ended, but as things dragged on reports came out that there was pessimism about a deal getting done, before things finally got sewn over on deadline day with a five-year, $125 million deal being inked.

Not only is it exciting that the team and player were able to come to an agreement before Monay’s deadline, but the contract itself is a big win for the Nuggets. It has been said that Braun was seeking a deal that started at $25 million a year, and there was speculation he’d reach up to $30 million in average annual value, so this deal is on the low side of his demands.

Furthermore, his demands were very reasonable. Braun has had an outstanding start to his career in Denver, improving every year, and becoming a high-impact, two-way starter in just his third year in the league. 

He has already made his mark on an NBA Finals as a rookie, and he has contributed major stakes playoff minutes every year of his career so far. Last year, when bumped into the starting lineup, he effectively doubled his statistics while keeping up his efficiency, improving on the defensive end, and becoming an elite transition player.

Braun deserved more compared to contemporaries

As we’re seeing a number of other rookie extensions get signed, it’s becoming clear how big a win this deal is for the Nuggets. We saw a similar, but much less accomplished player in Keegan Murray get a five-year, $140 million deal recently. We saw a much less-proven Dyson Daniels get four-years, $100 million. And Jabari Smith also signed a five-year, $122 million deal with the Rockets earlier this summer.

Those are all fine players, but none of them stack up with what Braun has done in the NBA. He has contributed much more to winning than all of those players combined, and statistically, he’s been right on par, if not better. 

He also does it on both ends of the floor at a premium position. He’s also proven to be a team guy, happy to play a complementary role on offense while frequently guarding the opposing team’s best player on defense.

All things considered, it’s hard not to look at Braun’s new deal as a win for the Nuggets and team-friendly. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a fair deal, and Braun should be thrilled with his new salary. But in terms of market value, there’s no question he could have rightfully played hardball for a bigger bump.