Nuggets sign Christian Braun five-year, $125M rookie-scale extension

The Denver Nuggets and guard Christian Braun agreed on Monday to a five-year, $125 million rookie scale extension that will keep Braun with the franchise through the summer of 2031, his agent Bill Duffy said. The deal, completed before the league’s Monday deadline for eligible first-round picks, takes effect in the 2026-27 season; Braun will earn roughly $4.9 million in the final year of his rookie contract before the new deal begins. League sources said the contract contains no player or team options.

The agreement locks in a player who shifted from reserve to starter last season and produced career-best numbers. Braun started 77 of 79 games, averaging 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists while shooting 58.0 percent from the field, 39.7 percent from three and 82.7 percent from the line. He ranked among the league leaders in shooting efficiency and led all guards in true shooting percentage. Braun also paced the NBA in fastbreak scoring, providing a regular transition scoring threat for Denver.

Braun, selected 21st overall in the 2022 draft, was a member of the Nuggets’ 2023 championship team and has been widely credited inside the organization for steady development and...