Christian Braun has found his name embroiled in the Denver Nuggets' Peyton Watson drama, likely against his wishes. Perhaps, as a result, we will see him play with a chip on his shoulder once the regular season starts.
Last October, Braun inked a five-year, $125 million extension with the Nuggets. It looked like a sound deal at the time. But a lackluster campaign has had some folks wondering if the franchise overpaid to retain him.
And if Watson ends up elsewhere this summer or by next year because of his bloated contract? The 25-year-old would have a lot on his shoulders and be playing under a microscope for the foreseeable future.
Redemption arc for the struggling swingman?
It's unfortunate that Braun has had to deal with some unsavory remarks this offseason. It was not his fault he jumped at the opportunity to secure the bag after helping Denver bring home the 2023 NBA championship and turning into an efficient 3-and-D starter in the 2024-25 season. And Braun certainly isn't to blame if Watson believes he deserves a higher salary.
The criticism probably won't go away anytime soon, though. It's part of the business, and maybe Braun can use it as fuel to level up his game and justify his annual average pay of $25 million.
It was only two regular seasons ago when the University of Kansas product averaged 15.6 points and 5.2 rebounds per contest on 58.0 percent shooting from the field and 39.7 percent from three. After signing the extension, his numbers regressed significantly, and he seemingly lost his shooting touch, especially from long range.
Injuries may have played a role in his struggles. However, the Christian Braun we saw in 44 regular-season games and six playoff appearances in the 2025-26 campaign looked different from what we had gotten used to watching in the previous years.
Hopefully, he finds enough motivation to redeem himself and prove once again why the front office and many fans viewed him as the perfect complementary wing player to Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.
Bidding farewell to PWat?
Braun might not have a choice but to elevate his game. Signs are pointing toward Watson's bitter exit from the Nuggets, as they apparently lowballed him in negotiations and have reportedly adjusted their asking price in potential sign-and-trade deals.
It is also possible that the rising star accepts the $6.5 million qualifying offer to remain in Denver this year. But such a scenario would make him an unrestricted free agent next summer, when several teams could open up enough cap space to steal him.
The P-Wat saga has shaped up to be a messy affair. Hopefully, Braun can help sort things out by responding correctly to his name being dragged into it.
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