Braun renews contract with Nuggets for 125 million for 5 years! The premium in small ball market, is it a bet on the future or helplessness?

The Nuggets' contract renewal operation in the past two days has become a hot topic in the fan circle - Braun signed a five-year contract of 125 million, with an average salary of 25 million. Some people think the price is too high, after all, Daniels, the steal king next door, is also worth 25 million; but those who know the industry know that this is the survival rule of the small ball market: it is better to spend more money now to lock in future potential than to be poached by the big ball market.

Braun's last season: From substitute to starter, what did he prove?

Braun made a counterattack last season. From being a substitute in the championship season to being promoted to the starting lineup in the new season, he played 79 games, averaging 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, shooting 58% from the field and 39.7% from three-point range - these statistics are definitely a qualified starter for a forward.

But his value goes far beyond data. What do the Nuggets value in him? Energy, defensive enthusiasm, football intelligence. He can never run fast on the court, assisting in defense, switching defenses, and grabbing rebounds. He is active in everything. On the offensive end, he does not occupy the ball. Cutting, corner three-pointers, and pick-and-rolls are all Jokic's favorite types of cake-eating. The Nuggets were able to reach the Western Conference Finals last season, and his engineering attributes were indispensable.

The Nuggets' helplessness: To retain talents in small ball markets, a premium must be paid

Why is Braun's contract said to be expensive? Because according to market conditions, his data and performance, a contract of around 20 million is more reasonable. But the Nuggets are a small ball market - Denver Plateau, in terms of attractiveness, cannot compare to the Lakers, Knicks, and Warriors. If you want to keep the potential stocks you have cultivated, you can only pay a premium.

Just like when they retained Porter Jr., even if he hadn't fully proven himself at the time, the Nuggets had to lock in his contract in advance. The logic of the small ball market is very realistic: instead of waiting for players to be poached by the big ball market at high prices, it is better to spend more money now and hold the future in your own hands.

Braun's pressure: He needs to prove that the 25 million is not a premium but a real price.

After renewing the contract, Braun's pressure is not small. Fans have a lot of questions: "25 million? How is he better than Daniels? " "Last season's data was good, but can it be maintained? "

What does he need to prove? Evolve into a more versatile 3D player. Now, he is hard enough on defense, but he is not good enough to defend top strikers alone; his three-pointers are accurate enough, but his stability needs to be improved; on the offensive end, he can make air cuts, but he has almost no independent ball attack.

The Nuggets' bet is on his potential: if he can stabilize the three-pointer, develop some ball-handling offense, and be tougher on one-on-one defense, he will definitely earn 25 million; if he stays put, then this contract is indeed a premium.

Braun's Nuggets story has just begun.

Braun's contract extension is the epitome of the philosophy of retaining people in small ball markets - lock in potential with premium contracts and trade time for the future. For him, this is an opportunity and a challenge: he needs to use the next few years to turn potential into strength and turn premium into real price.

Brothers, one final question: Do you think Braun is worth 125 million in 5 years? Is the Nuggets' premium strategy of retaining people smart or risky? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section!