Former Kansas guard and 2022 NCAA champion Christian Braun is getting paid.
The Denver Nuggets and Braun have agreed to a five-year, $125 million rookie contract extension, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Monday. Braun’s agent, Bill Duffy of WME Basketball, confirmed the deal to ESPN.
A standout at Blue Valley Northwest High School in Overland Park before winning a national title with the Jayhawks, Braun was selected 21st overall by Denver in the 2022 NBA Draft. He initially signed a four-year, $13.8 million rookie contract that included team options for the final two seasons.
Nuggets executives Ben Tenzer and Jon Wallace prioritized securing Braun’s long-term future with the franchise, Charania reported.
Braun has steadily developed since helping the Nuggets capture their first NBA championship in 2023, when he became just the fifth player in history to win NCAA and NBA titles in consecutive years.
While his rookie numbers were modest — 4.7 points, 2.4 rebounds and 0.8 assists per game — Braun’s energy and defense made him a valuable spark off the bench. He took a major step forward this past season, averaging 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists while shooting 58% from the field and 39.7% from three-point range.
Known for his intensity and emotion both at Kansas and in Denver, Braun has become a fan favorite for his toughness and confidence. His new contract cements him as a key part of the Nuggets’ core alongside Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray.