Nuggets lock in $125 million extension for Christian Braun; Watson, Valanciunas and Jokic headlines
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The Denver Nuggets and guard Christian Braun reached a rookie-scale extension just before the deadline, agreeing to a five-year, $125 million contract on Oct. 21. Braun told the Denver Post that negotiating with people he “loves and cares about” was stressful, but added he is “really happy that it’s over.”
Securing Braun’s deal was the front office’s top priority, according to the Denver Post. Talks with forward Peyton Watson on a rookie-scale extension took place but were complicated by the club’s concerns about exceeding the NBA’s second tax apron in 2026/27. A Watson contract above $7 million per year would have pushed Denver into that tier with three roster spots still to fill.
On the court, coaches plan to expand Watson’s ball-handling duties. “Our coaching staff has really put a lot of trust and belief in me,” Watson said, noting that preseason and training-camp reps with the ball in his hands have boosted his confidence and sharpness.
Denver has struggled for years to find a reliable reserve behind Nikola Jokic. The club hopes veteran center Jonas Valanciunas, acquired in the offseason, can stabilize minutes when Jokic rests after several seasons of noticeable drop-offs with backups.
Maintaining Jokic’s satisfaction remains paramount for the restructured front office. Executive vice president of basketball operations Ben Tenzer told The Athletic that Jokic’s input is regularly sought. “He’s a brilliant basketball mind,” Tenzer said. “Sometimes he’ll have opinions, sometimes he won’t, but it’s always good to connect with him.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
