For some time now, the Denver Nuggets have operated a bit like this. The needs are clear to everyone, but the fixes have mostly been patches. And what’s the latest patch? A $125 million deal for Christian Braun.
As explained by Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette, back in May it was the franchise’s coach, David Adelman, who expressed that he wanted management to bring in someone who could enhance the team’s ball-handling capabilities. Well, that simply hasn’t happened.
Although just days ago we learned of the addition of Ryan Nembhard, the team’s plan remains to shoulder the burden of helping Jamal Murray through Braun, as Braun himself explains.
“It’s about knowing how to manage the pressure, initiate the play, and make sure Jamal doesn’t have to be the one always bringing the ball up, moving to the corner and then returning. Jamal can start in the corner and I can bring the ball up,” he says.
Christian Braun’s Responsibility
After signing a five-year, $125 million extension in the autumn of last year, Braun feels the need to reward the team by taking on greater responsibilities, especially after he could only play 44 games in the 2025-26 season due to an ankle injury. Moreover, he believes that his role should help Murray arrive at the crucial moment of the season more rested.
“I need to be someone Jamal looks to in order to bring the ball up and thereby help him. I know that will benefit him and his legs during the fourth quarter of an important playoff game,” he says.
