Christian Braun eyes rebound after injury-marred season; Northwest roundup highlights Wallace, Love, Nurkić and Blazers’ offseason
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DENVER — Nuggets guard Christian Braun, who signed a five-year, $125 million rookie-scale extension in October, intends to “be better” next season after injuries and poor shooting derailed his 2025-26 campaign.
The 25-year-old appeared in just 44 regular-season games, shooting 30.1% from three-point range — the worst mark of his career. A severe left-ankle sprain with torn ligaments lingered throughout the year and continued to swell during the playoffs. Two sources told The Denver Post he also strained his left calf in Game 1 of the first round, further limiting his lift.
“A first-round exit’s not acceptable,” Braun said. “You can kind of put it on my shoulders. I didn’t play well enough, and I didn’t have this team ready enough. I’ll be better.”
Because Denver is pressed against the cap, league observers believe the club could explore trading Braun when his new deal begins. However, rival teams are expected to insist on additional assets to absorb the contract, making a trade unlikely and increasing the chances Braun remains in Denver for a bounce-back year in 2026-27.
Wallace earns defensive praise in Oklahoma City
Thunder guard Cason Wallace is building a case for All-Defensive honors, according to The Oklahoman. Oklahoma City has led the NBA in defensive rating each of the past two seasons, and Wallace tops the league in steals.
“He leads the league in steals — that says it all,” teammate Luguentz Dort said. “He’s active with his hands, moves his feet really well, is fast and stronger than people think.”
Portland weighs major move
The Trail Blazers enter what Yossi Gozlan of The Third Apron calls their most critical offseason in at least 10 years. With extra first-round picks from Orlando and Milwaukee projected to decrease in value as those teams improve, Portland could consider cashing in this summer via a significant trade.
Jazz veterans hope to stay
Veteran big men Kevin Love and Jusuf Nurkić have both expressed interest in re-signing with Utah. The Deseret News notes Love is likely limited to a minimum contract, while Nurkić’s return will largely hinge on his market price in free agency.
Source: Hoops Rumors
