Denver Nuggets Predicted to Offer $94 Million Contract to Key Starter

The Denver Nuggets are predicted to extend one of their core players.

Apr 21, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) reacts after a play with Los Angeles Clippers guard Norman Powell (24) as guard Kris Dunn (8) and guard Christian Braun (0) push each other as forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) looks on in the third quarter during game two of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Speculation is starting to grow surrounding the NBA's first-round picks from 2022, as they are set to hit free agency next year, barring an extension. First-round picks from that class have from July 1 to the day before the start of the 2025-26 season to sign an extension.

Many high-level players are on the list of potential extensions, including Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren, and Dyson Daniels. One name that should receive a lot of attention is Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun.

Braun took a major leap this season, averaging 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists on 58% shooting from the field and nearly 40% from three. He has been instrumental in helping lead the Nuggets to the postseason with a shot at another championship.

Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus recently gave his prediction on a potential Braun extension, as well as the other first-round picks from the 2022 class. Denver is predicted to offer the 24-year-old a four-year, $94 million deal, set to start for the 2026-27 season.

"Christian Braun played a small role in the Nuggets' championship run as a rookie," Pincus wrote. "His ensuing growth into a full-time starter mitigated the loss of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in free agency this past offseason. He's become one of the team's most reliable perimeter defenders and outside shooters.

Mar 26, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) reacts with guard Christian Braun (0) after a play in the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

"The Nuggets' challenge is their heavy investment in Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon. If those four stay in Denver, it may be challenging to manage a fifth highly-paid starter with the restrictive apron rules."

Related Articles

Nikola Jokic Defends Russell Westbrook After Nuggets-Thunder Game 2

Nuggets Star Calls Out Referees After Blowout Loss vs Thunder

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Heartfelt Russell Westbrook Statement