Is this contract renewal a wise investment or a helpless move?

2022 first round 21 pick Christian Braun has experienced explosive growth this season and has become a key starter for the Nuggets.

As ESPN salary experts predict that his contract extension may reach an average of $30 million per year, a question has emerged - is he really worth the price?

Last season, Braun was the seventh man for the Nuggets, averaging only 7.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game. But this season, after Pope left the team, he successfully took the lead, averaging 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game, shooting percentage of three events was as high as 58.0%/39.7%/82.7%, and his real shooting percentage reached 66.5%, with an amazing efficiency.

What is even more surprising is his fast break ability - he averaged 5.1 points in the fast break, ranking first in the league, even surpassing Antetokounmpo and James! Under Jokic's system, Braun's running and finishing ability was maximized, becoming a weapon for the Nuggets to convert offenses.

Although the Nuggets were eliminated in the second round, Braun's performance was remarkable:

Average of 12.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.2 steals,

G7 scored 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists in the second round. G6 contributed 23+11+5

The opponent's shooting percentage dropped by 5.5%

Although he could not defend himself from top scorers like Alexander and Harden, as a third-year player, his defensive performance has far exceeded expectations.

At present, the salary of the four Nuggets (Jokic, Murray, Porter Jr., and Gordon) has accounted for 82% of the team. If Braun is given an annual salary of 30 million yuan, his salary in the 2026-27 season will be completely exploded.

Compared with Gordon's 4-year 130 million contract, Braun's reasonable price should be between 20-25 million, but considering his potential and the pressure of small-market teams to retain people, 30 million is not impossible.

Braun's growth is gratifying, but an annual salary of 30 million may put the Nuggets in a deeper salary quagmire. If the management does not adjust its lineup (such as trading Porter Jr. or Gordon), Jokic's peak may be wasted.