Right at the deadline before the 2025-26 NBA season begins, the Denver Nuggets took care of an important piece of business.

According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Nuggets and Christian Braun agreed to a new contract extension of five years, $125 million that should keep Braun in a Nuggets uniform for the foreseeable future.

The deadline for rookie extensions is today, and the Nuggets and Braun had until 4pm MT to reach a deal. Both parties wanted an extension though, and the terms are reasonable on both ends. On one hand, Braun earns his life-changing money, staying locked in next to MVP Nikola Jokic for the rest of his prime years. There’s no question Jokic’s skill set has benefitted Braun, and all parties will reap those rewards for the next few years.

For the Nuggets, this is a contract number that makes sense with increase in NBA money. After the Nuggets traded Michael Porter Jr. in the offseason, they freed up significant space to retain other important players. Braun and his developing skill set represents that.

The Nuggets know they can trust Braun to do the things he’s been asked to do and get better in the areas he’s struggled in. He became one of the premiere transition wings in the NBA last season in just one season as a starter. The next step is to improve as a volume three-point shooter and lockdown defender. That will impact Braun in a playoff setting more than anything else, and I expect him to get there eventually.

For now, Nuggets fans can celebrate this extension. It locks in a growing member of the core, helping the Nuggets keep pace with the elite guards and wings that are developing in an ever-difficult Western Conference.

While Braun got his extension, the writing is on the wall for Peyton Watson, who Charania reported is unlikely to receive a contract extension at this time. Denver’s out of disposable salary below the second apron going forward, a major concern for the franchise that may or may not lose talent around a championship caliber roster due to financial restraints.

Hopefully, the Nuggets can fit everything in going forward, though it’s a good sign that they were willing to commit to Braun. They believe in him, and so do I. He’s a strong starter in the NBA going forward, and he might have received more money on the open market after another strong season.

Now, he’s a Nugget. That should excite everyone involved.