With the Denver Nuggets being open to talking shop regarding any player outside of Nikola Jokic this NBA offseason, that left Christian Braun as a logical trade candidate.
The veteran guard is coming off a down year after signing a notable extension in 2025.
With Braun struggling in 2025-2026 and the Nuggets exiting the playoffs in the first round, losing to the undermanned underdogs in Minnesota, the veteran guard has a lot to prove in 2026-2027.
Denver Nuggets $125 Million Trade Candidate Gets Honest On Rough Year
GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 23: Christian
Braun #0 of the Denver Nuggets in action against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on October 23, 2025 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
“Sometimes it’s good to get punched in the mouth a little bit,” Braun told DNVR’s Harrison Wind.
“It’s good to have that little setback. Definitely motivated. Definitely excited for the summer. Just got to attack the ankle and make sure the ankle’s in a good spot. I know I’ll bounce back, and I know who I am as a player, so I’m really excited.”
Talk can only go so far for a player coming off a down year, but the Nuggets can feel hopeful for Braun’s mindset before the new season.
Christian Braun’s Denver Nuggets Run
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – OCTOBER 25: Christian Braun #0 of the Denver Nuggets plays the Phoenix Suns in the third quarter at Ball Arena on October 25, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
During his rookie effort with the Nuggets, Braun appeared in 76 games.
Most of his matchups were off the bench, for an average of 15.5 minutes per game.
The veteran guard shot 49.5% from the field and 35.4% from three, averaging 4.7 points per game.
Those numbers improved in year two, when Braun played all 82 games, serving as a key reserve.
In 2024-2025, Braun hit 58.0% of his shots from the field. He knocked down 39.7% of his threes, averaging 12.0 points per game.
The Nuggets felt good about the three-year progression from their homegrown guard. Braun wisely accepted the five-year, $125.0 million contract he was offered.
So far, the investment looks rough. In 44 games, Braun was a full-time starter for Denver. He averaged 12.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, while shooting just 30.1% from three.
In the playoffs, the averages dipped to 8.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists.
Next season, Braun will make $21.5 million. A bounce-back season is much-needed.