Christian Braun has established himself as a invaluable beginning wing for the Denver Nuggets this season, however Michael Malone beforehand pushed to maneuver the younger participant earlier than his breakout. Sources inform Jake Fischer that Malone advocated for buying and selling Braun previous to the 2024 commerce deadline through the Nuggets’ title protection, preferring to amass a extra established participant in return. This revelation provides Braun to the listing of gamers who’ve needed to overcome being buried on Malone’s bench earlier than incomes constant minutes.
Denver finally stored Braun, who has since claimed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s former spot within the beginning lineup. The choice has paid dividends for the Nuggets as Braun has flourished in his expanded position. The third-year participant is presently averaging 15.5 factors, 5.2 rebounds and a pair of.6 assists per sport whereas sustaining a powerful taking pictures clip of almost 40 p.c from three-point vary.
Braun’s growth represents a major success story for Denver’s participant growth pipeline, as he has remodeled from a bench participant right into a dependable starter alongside the Nuggets’ core stars. Braun turns into eligible for a contract extension this offseason.
