$30 Million a Year? Is 24-Year-Old Braun Worth the Price Tag?

The Denver Nuggets’ season has ended, but the real challenge for the organization is just beginning. This summer, the Nuggets face a critical crossroads — not only must they hire a new general manager to steer the franchise’s future, but they also have two pivotal contract extensions looming. One is an obvious no-brainer: Nikola Jokić, the heart and soul of the franchise, a two-time MVP, and the engine behind Denver’s first-ever NBA title. The other is a far more complex and controversial question mark: 24-year-old second-year starter Jeffery "Braun" Braun.

If the Nuggets decide to decline Jokić’s $62.8 million player option for the 2027–28 season, they can lock him into a supermax extension worth roughly $212 million over three years. Jokić, now 30, is arguably the best player on the planet and in his prime. His value to Denver isn’t just measurable in numbers — it’s existential. If Jokić opts out and refuses to extend, the Nuggets are staring down a nightmare scenario. But that’s not where the biggest dilemma lies.

Braun’s extension talks are already creating waves. According to ESPN’s leading salary cap analyst, Braun’s next deal will be north of $30 million per year. This is raising eyebrows — a 24-year-old with less than three full NBA seasons under his belt commanding that kind of money? Is Braun worth it? The answer isn’t straightforward, but it’s worth diving deep.

Braun’s Season-Over-Season Progression: An Explosion in Production

Braun’s trajectory over the past two seasons is undeniably impressive. Last year, he was primarily a role player, averaging 7.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 20 minutes per game off the bench across 82 games. He was a serviceable contributor but hardly a cornerstone.

Fast forward to this past season: Braun emerged as a full-time starter in 77 of 79 games, logging nearly 34 minutes per game. His production nearly doubled across the board — 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.1 steals per night. Efficiency-wise, Braun shot a scorching 58.0% from the field, 39.7% from three, and 82.7% from the line. His true shooting percentage? An elite 66.5%.

That efficiency is especially impressive when you consider Braun’s role next to Nikola Jokić. Playing alongside one of the most unselfish and skilled passers the league has ever seen tends to elevate everyone’s game — Braun included. While he’s not a high-usage playmaker or a prolific ball-handler (he only attempts about 2.8 threes per game, mostly uncontested), his ability to finish, cut, and get into transition makes him a valuable offensive cog.

The Fast Break King and Defensive Contributor

One of Braun’s most unique and underrated attributes is his elite transition scoring. He averaged a league-leading 5.1 fast break points per game this season — surpassing icons like Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James in this metric. This explosive athleticism fuels Denver’s pace-and-space style and is a key reason Braun’s offensive value has soared.

Defensively, Braun may not be a lockdown stopper, but he’s certainly a reliable starter-level defender. His length, athleticism, and improving instincts allow him to keep pace with most perimeter players. More importantly, he’s developed strong chemistry with Denver’s core — Jokić, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Michael Porter Jr. — on that end. When all five share the floor, Denver outscores opponents by an elite 10.6 points per 100 possessions, a number worthy of championship contention.

Playoff Performance: A Step Up When It Mattered

Denver’s playoff exit in the second round was disappointing, but Braun’s individual performance was far from it. Over 14 postseason games, he averaged 12.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.2 steals per game on 45.3% shooting overall.

More importantly, Braun’s standout performances came in Denver’s most critical games:

• Game 7, First Round: 21 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists on 8-for-15 shooting

• Game 6, Second Round: 23 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists on 8-for-14 shooting

• Game 7, Second Round: 19 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists on 7-for-14 shooting

On defense, Braun’s impact was tangible. He averaged nearly 19 shot contests per game, holding opponents to 5.5% worse field goal percentage overall, 3.3% worse from three, and a staggering 9.5% lower on shots within 10 feet of the basket. His primary defensive assignments included some of the toughest coverages in the league — James Harden, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Dejounte Murray — all elite scorers who challenged Braun night after night.

While Braun isn’t a defensive titan, the fact that he held his own against such formidable foes in high-stakes playoff moments speaks volumes about his growth.

The Value Debate: Is $30 Million Per Year Justified?

So where does this leave us? Braun is clearly ascending, but is he worth a max-caliber salary upwards of $30 million annually? Here’s where the complexity kicks in.

On one hand, the number might seem inflated. Denver’s Aaron Gordon, a proven starter and veteran wing, is under contract for $33 million per year. Michael Porter Jr., despite injury concerns, has a contract averaging about $33 million as well. Braun’s production and defensive impact currently sit just a notch below these veterans.

In an ideal world, a more conservative extension around $20–25 million per year would reflect Braun’s contributions and potential. That figure acknowledges his youth, athleticism, and room to grow, while maintaining salary cap flexibility for Denver’s core.

But reality bites. The NBA is trending toward rewarding young, versatile two-way players who can fill multiple roles. Braun’s unique skill set as a fast-break threat and capable defender is increasingly valuable. Combine that with Denver’s “small market” profile and the impending financial boom from new broadcast deals, and a $30 million annual salary suddenly looks plausible — if not inevitable.

The Cap Crunch Looms Large

Here’s the catch: signing Braun to a $30 million-per-year extension will exacerbate Denver’s salary cap woes. Heading into the next season, the Nuggets’ payroll will hover around $201 million, with the four core players consuming approximately 82% of that total.

If Braun’s contract kicks in for the 2026-27 season as expected, the Nuggets will face a near-impossible balancing act. Will they be able to retain key role players, add new talent, or absorb emerging free agents? Salary cap maneuvering will become brutal, forcing tough roster decisions that could impact the team’s championship window.

Is Braun the Future or a Financial Burden?

At 24, Braun is a work in progress. His value lies in his physical tools, steady development, and fit alongside Jokić and company. He isn’t a volume scorer or the primary offensive creator, but he’s a multi-dimensional player capable of impacting games in various ways.

The question is whether his ceiling justifies a max-level payday, especially given Denver’s current roster construction and long-term salary constraints.

For now, the answer leans toward “yes” — with caveats. Braun’s youth and potential warrant significant investment. If he continues to improve his shooting consistency, defensive discipline, and playmaking, he could become an indispensable piece of Denver’s next championship run.

But if his progress stalls or Denver’s salary cap becomes strangling, his contract risks turning into a ball-and-chain.

A Final Thought

The NBA’s evolving landscape is complex. Not every valuable player has to be a superstar ball-handler or a consistent scorer. Players like Braun — versatile, high-energy, and team-first — are increasingly prized commodities in modern roster building.

Denver’s challenge is to balance rewarding growth with maintaining flexibility. Braun’s extension will test their front office’s savvy and the franchise’s willingness to bet on a promising 24-year-old who’s still carving out his NBA identity.

In a league where money talks and value is fluid, $30 million for Jeffery Braun might not just be about the past season’s stats — it could be a statement about his projected impact on Denver’s future. Whether that gamble pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Nuggets’ offseason just became a fascinating chess match, with Braun at the center of the board.