Key Highlights
- The Denver Nuggets are close to securing a rookie scale extension with Christian Braun.
- The Atlanta Hawks and Dyson Daniels’ representatives remain far apart in negotiations for a new contract.
- Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers supports Amir Coffey’s inclusion on the roster.
- Former NBA player Shabazz Napier joins the Washington Wizards as a coaching apprentice.
Nuggets Near Extension Deal with Christian Braun
There is “cautious optimism” that the Denver Nuggets will finalize a rookie scale extension with forward Christian Braun before today’s deadline at 5:00 PM Central time, according to league sources. Negotiations between the team and Braun’s agent, Bill Duffy of WME Sports, are focusing on a five-year agreement in the range of $115 million to $125 million.
Braun moved into the starting lineup last season following the departure of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in free agency. He posted career-high numbers across the board, averaging 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 79 games with shooting splits of .580/.397/.827. His performance was a significant factor in his inclusion as an important member of Denver’s bench unit during his first two years.
Atlanta Hawks Struggle to Reach Deal with Dyson Daniels
The Atlanta Hawks and Dyson Daniels’ representatives remain far apart in negotiations for a new contract, despite the approaching deadline. Daniels and his agent, Daniel Moldovan, are asking for an extension valued at $150 million over five years, while the team’s offer is in the neighborhood of five years at $115 million.
Daniels was a valuable addition to the Hawks during his first season, earning First Team All-Defensive honors and leading the league in steals. He was also named Most Improved Player. However, with significant free agent additions Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard who are better shooters and could cut into Daniels’ playing time, there is concern that he may not see as much court time if Atlanta needs more offense.
Milwaukee Bucks Continue Evaluating Amir Coffey
Coach Doc Rivers, who previously coached Coffey during his rookie season with the Clippers, was a strong proponent for the 6’7″ swingman to earn a roster spot. Despite being in camp on a non-guaranteed Exhibit 9 deal, Coffey connected at 40.9% from three-point range last season and is expected to be valuable to Milwaukee.
The Bucks still have a roster move to make as Tyler Smith and Andre Jackson Jr. are in contention for the final spot. The team spent the weekend exploring the trade market for Smith, who appeared in 33 games last season as a second-round pick from 2024. He is likely to be waived if the Bucks cannot find a taker before this afternoon’s deadline.
Shabazz Napier Joins Washington Wizards
Former NBA player Shabazz Napier, who played for Bayern Munich in the EuroLeague last season, has joined the Washington Wizards as a coaching apprentice. This move reflects the team’s ongoing efforts to build a strong coaching staff and mentor young talent.
