The Denver Nuggets have, as anticipated, exercised the team options of Christian Braun, Peyton Watson, and Julian Strawther for the 2025–26 season, keeping their young core intact for an additional year.
All three players were already signed for the upcoming 2024-25 season, and they are expected to bring valuable youthful energy to the team. With the deadline for rookie-scale contract options approaching, general manager Calvin Booth confirmed the moves on Thursday.
These decisions were expected, especially as the Nuggets will need affordable rotation players next season, given Jamal Murray’s max contract extension and the potential extension for Aaron Gordon. Retaining Braun, Watson, and Strawther on their rookie contracts helps balance the team’s payroll.
For the 2025–26 season, the Nuggets have allocated $199.48 million in salary to 13 players, including three contracts with player options. Braun’s cap hit is projected at $4.9 million, while Watson’s is estimated at $4.3 million. Strawther’s third-year option suggests an additional team option after 2025-26, with a projected cap hit of $2.7 million for next season.
Both Watson and Braun have demonstrated their ability to excel in the NBA, with Braun particularly shining during the Finals. Over two seasons, the 6-foot-6 guard has played 158 games, averaging 6.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 17.9 minutes per game. At just 23, he has participated in 31 playoff games, including a standout performance in Game 3 of the Finals, where he scored 15 points.
Watson, selected just after Braun, has also shown promise. The 6-foot-8 forward has played 103 games for the Nuggets, averaging 5.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.0 blocks in 16.3 minutes per game.
Both Braun and Watson are expected to take on larger roles this season, especially with Braun likely joining the starting lineup and Watson focusing on his defensive prowess. They both complement Nikola Jokic well, fitting seamlessly into Denver’s system.
Strawther, who was drafted 29th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, has yet to fully showcase his potential but showed flashes of talent in his rookie season before an injury. In his first 50 games, he averaged 4.5 points and 1.2 rebounds in 10.9 minutes. He is anticipated to become an important shooter and role player in his second season.
After the 2025–26 season, Braun and Watson will enter restricted free agency, while Strawther won’t be eligible until after the 2026–27 season.