Nuggets Reward Breakout Braun with $125M Extension

Merlin sees Denver locking up Christian Braun with a five‑year, $125 million extension after a clear breakout season. Braun jumped to 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists while shooting 58.0% overall and 39.7% from three, and he averaged 12.6 points and 6.4 rebounds in the playoffs — production that earned the payday. Jake Fischer noted "the low end" of his target was roughly $25M per year, and the Nuggets obliged. Merlin senses this is more than a reward — it’s a statement. Denver added depth in the offseason but made no draft pick, so keeping Braun signals he’s part of their near‑term core alongside Jokić and Murray. If his efficiency and defensive instincts hold and he grows as a secondary creator, Braun could become a true swing‑game changer; health and playmaking will tell the tale.