125 million in 5 years! The Nuggets signed at the buzzer! The entire Western Conference has changed

At 6 a.m. on October 21, the deadline for early contract renewal this season, two 2022 rookies completed buzzer-beating signings. According to NBA reporter Shams, the Hawks signed a four-year, $100 million early contract extension for Dyson Daniels, excluding any options; the Nuggets signed a five-year, $125 million early contract extension with Braun.

The Rockets and Ethan have not reached an early contract extension, and Ethan will become a restricted player next summer. In addition to Ethan, there are many people in the 2022 class who failed to reach an early contract extension: Ivey, Sohan, Marcelin, Duren, Mark Williams, Kessler, Payton Watson... Let's talk about Daniels first, and then write about Braun.

Daniels wanted $150 million over five years, but the Eagles initially only offered $100 million over five years. In the end, both parties took a step back and signed a four-year contract worth US$100 million, with an average annual salary of 25 million. Daniels was born on March 17, 2003, with a height of 2.01 meters and a wingspan of 2.10 meters. In the 2022 NBA draft, the Pelicans selected Daniels with the 8th overall pick in the first round.

In the summer of 2024, the Pelicans sent away Nance Jr., Liddell, Daniels and 2 first-round picks in exchange for Dejounte Murray from the Hawks. Last season, Daniels averaged 14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 3 steals per game for the Hawks, with three shooting percentages: 49.3%, 34%, 59.3%. Won the league's steals title and ranked second in the Best Defensive Player selection.

Daniels became the first NBA player since Alvin Robertson in the 1990-91 season to average 3 steals per game in a season. There is still room for improvement on the offensive end, and the defense is already at the top level in the league. Finally, let’s talk about Braun. The Nuggets officially announced that Braun signed a five-year contract with 125 million US dollars. The average annual salary of 25 million is the same as Daniels.

Braun was born on April 17, 2001. He is 1.98 meters tall and has a wingspan of only 1.99 meters. In the 2022 NBA draft, Braun was selected by the Nuggets with the 21st overall pick in the first round. After renewing Braun's contract, the Nuggets' space was completely locked up. Jokic and Murray have an average annual salary of more than 50 million, and the other three have an average annual salary of more than 20 million.

Jokic's contract is 5 years and 270 million US dollars, expiring in the summer of 2028, and the 2027-28 season is a player option. Jamal Murray's four-year, $208 million deal expires in the summer of 2029. Cameron Johnson’s deal is $108 million over four years, expiring in the summer of 2027. Aaron Gordon is worth $103 million over three years, expiring in the summer of 2029.

Braun's new contract will begin in the 2026-27 season and expire in the summer of 2031. In the 2024-25 season, he played 79 regular season games for the Nuggets, including 77 starts. Averaged 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.1 steals per game, with three shooting percentages: 58%, 39.7%, 82.7%. Averaged 5.1 fast break points per game, ranking first in the league!

In the playoffs last season, Braun averaged 12.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.2 steals per game, with three shooting percentages: 45.3%, 30%, and 71%. In this year's preseason, he averaged 22 minutes per game, 10.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1 steal. His three shooting percentages were: 77.3%, 77.8%, 50%. A total of 7 of 9 three-pointers were made.

ESPN predicts the top ten in the Western Conference for the new season: Thunder, Nuggets, Rockets, Clippers, Timberwolves, Warriors, Grizzlies, Lakers, Mavericks and Spurs. Which team do you think is the best in the West?