Time is ticking for the Denver Nuggets to agree to an extension with Christian Braun, but based on NBA insider Jake Fischer's latest report, one should be coming. Fischer wrote that the "low end" of Braun's extension is "believed" to be in the $25 million range (subscription required).
Braun and Peyton Watson are eligible to sign new deals before the Oct. 20 deadline, but Fischer said that because of the Nuggets' luxury tax situation, it will be "difficult for Denver to commit to one such extension" before time is up. Between Braun and Watson, the former takes priority.
The 24-year-old had a breakout season in 2024-25, averaging a career-high 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, shooting 58% from the field and 39.7% from three. Braun became a full-time starter, starting in all but two of the 79 games he played.
He's quickly become one of the most important role players in Denver, from his scoring off the bench in the 2023 playoffs (fans knew he was special then) to his lockdown defense and energy that he brings.
Braun projected to sign an extension in the $25-$30 million range
After the season that he had, the Nuggets need to lock him down to an extension because his price tag could be higher next summer. Restricted free agents this past summer learned that they wouldn't get the money they thought they would, but more teams are projected to have cap space next summer. If Braun's ascension continues, he would be a popular name.
Braun doesn't want to be anywhere else, though. The Nuggets don't want to give him the chance to leave, either. Jon Tenzer said at media day that he hopes Braun and Watson are around for a "long time."
Based on everything that has been said and reported, Braun and the Nuggets should agree to an extension within the coming days.
Try not to think too much about what his annual salary will be if (or when) the deal is reported. It might seem scary at first, especially when you think about the other stuff that Denver needs to do (none bigger than extending Nikola Jokić), but it's what will need to happen for the Nuggets to keep Braun.
He'll continue to prove that he's worth it in what's shaping up to be an exciting season in Denver.