Christian Braun Extension Talks Accelerate; Bucks Retain Coffey; Hawks, Daniels Still Miles Apart
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DENVER — The Nuggets and guard Christian Braun are closing in on a five-year rookie-scale extension projected between $115 million and $125 million, league sources told HoopsHype. Team officials and Braun’s representative, Bill Duffy of WME Sports, have made significant headway as Monday’s 6 p.m. ET deadline for rookie deals approaches.
Braun, 23, stepped into the starting lineup after Kentavious Caldwell-Pope left in free agency and averaged 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists while shooting 58% from the field, 40% from three and 83% at the line over 79 games last season. Talks had stalled over the weekend, but both sides now appear motivated to finalize an agreement before the cutoff.
Bucks
MILWAUKEE — Head coach Doc Rivers successfully lobbied for the Bucks to keep 6-foot-7 wing Amir Coffey on the regular-season roster, according to HoopsHype. Rivers coached Coffey during the player’s rookie year with the Clippers and valued his 40.9% three-point shooting from last season.
Milwaukee must still trim one spot to reach the 15-man limit. Forward Tyler Smith and guard Andre Jackson Jr. are competing for the final place, but the Bucks have explored trade options for Smith, a 2024 second-round pick who appeared in 33 games as a rookie. If no deal materializes before Monday afternoon, Smith is expected to be waived.
Hawks
ATLANTA — Contract discussions between the Hawks and guard Dyson Daniels remain distant. Daniels’ camp, led by agent Daniel Moldovan, is seeking a five-year package around $150 million, while Atlanta’s offer is closer to $115 million, sources said.
Daniels earned First Team All-Defense, led the NBA in steals and captured the Most Improved Player award last season, but the Hawks added shooters Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard this summer, potentially limiting Daniels’ late-game minutes. Club executives appreciate his defense and energy yet appear reluctant to commit near-maximum money given his offensive inconsistencies.
Source: Hoops Wire
