The league's fast-break king secures a 5-year, $125 million deal.

At the deadline for early extensions of the 2022 rookies, the Nuggets reached a 5-year, $125 million early extension with Braun. This contract is the fourth highest among all rookies from that class, only surpassed by three max deals.

For a player like Braun, who ranks as the team's fourth or fifth option, signing a 5-year, $100 million contract would indicate the management is working hard. The final result of a 5-year, $125 million deal makes one wonder if Braun’s camp initially demanded 5 years at $150 million?

This is much like haggling over a purchase: Braun’s value maxes out around a 5-year, $125 million salary. His representatives quoted the Nuggets $150 million for 5 years, but the front office negotiated it down to $125 million and felt they got a good deal.

Around the same time, Daniels signed a 4-year, $100 million contract with the Hawks. His annual salary matches Braun’s but with one less year. Daniels initially sought 5 years at $150 million but was ultimately reduced to 4 years at $100 million by the Hawks—that’s a real negotiation.

Daniels brings plenty to the table himself. Last season, he led the league with an average of 3 steals per game, earning him the league’s steal title, a spot on the All-Defensive First Team, second in DPOY voting, and the Most Improved Player award—an honors-packed season. For such a player to settle for a 4-year, $100 million deal, Braun’s contract seems somewhat inflated by comparison.

Of course, overpaying is inevitable for a small-market team like Denver. With a $25 million annual salary, it’s hard for the Nuggets to sign a free agent of Braun’s caliber on the open market. Braun’s extension resembles the one Murray got previously.

The deal is pricey but still within Denver’s budget, meaning they might pay more luxury tax in the future. Most importantly, Braun truly fits with the Nuggets and Jokic. Over three years with Denver, he steadily became one of Jokic’s most trusted teammates.

Before last season started, with Pop leaving, Braun got an opportunity to step up. His role was to fill the void left by Pop, covering tasks like three-point shooting, perimeter defense, and fast-break scoring—typical 3-and-D responsibilities.

Braun’s development has been impressive. Once promoted to the starting lineup, he quickly became Denver’s best perimeter defender, consistently tasked with guarding the opponent’s key wing player. He shot nearly 40% from three, averaging 1.1 made threes per game. In the playoffs, although his three-point percentage dropped to 30%, he still averaged 1.5 made threes per game when given open looks.

Regarding fast breaks, Braun truly shined, averaging 5.1 points per game on fast breaks—the highest in the league, even surpassing Giannis by 0.2 points. Every time Jokic grabbed a rebound and prepared a long pass, Braun was always the first to sprint down the court.

Running fast doesn’t necessarily mean scoring more on fast breaks; Braun also has a strong finishing ability at the rim. Last season, he even had a highlight dunk over Gobert. Since his rookie year, his excellent rim finishing has been a key part of his game.

In his three years with Denver, Braun has steadily improved. He was a key bench player in his rookie season, played all 82 games in his second year, and last season averaged 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. As a guard, he posted a 58% field goal percentage and was once a candidate for Most Improved Player.

He entered the NBA carrying the prestige of an NCAA championship and won an NBA title with the team during his rookie season. In just two years, he reached heights many players never achieve in their entire careers. Now with a contract worth over $100 million, he is undoubtedly a life winner.

Before every Nuggets game or after a training session, Braun and Jokic always race 50 meters. Fans may have seen videos of their races on social media. There’s an untold story behind these sprint contests.

Before every Nuggets practice, there’s a ten-minute stretching warm-up. Initially, Braun didn’t take it seriously and often chatted with teammates. However, as team leader, Jokic repeatedly reminded Braun to focus on stretching, but Braun didn’t pay much attention to it.

One day, while Braun was chatting with Watson during stretching, Jokic silently came over, pulled Braun’s mat next to his own, and said, “From now on, you need to train here with me every day.” Jokic wanted Braun to focus from the start, and this was his way of encouraging him.

To this day, Braun still stretches alongside Jokic, and after training, they race 50 meters, with Braun usually winning more often. Through this routine, they have built a strong mutual understanding and connection.

Braun’s success comes from his personal effort, and of course, playing alongside an MVP like Jokic has been a fortunate opportunity for him.