​SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 23: Christian Braun #0 of the Denver Nuggets in action against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on October 23, 2025 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)DENVER, COLORADO – OCTOBER 25: Christian Braun #0 of the Denver Nuggets plays the Phoenix Suns in the third quarter at Ball Arena on October 25, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) GettyWith the Denver Nuggets being open to talking shop regarding any player outside of Nikola Jokic this NBA offseason, that left Christian Braun as a logical trade candidate.The veteran guard is coming off a down year after signing a notable extension in 2025.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWith Braun struggling in 2025-2026 and the Nuggets exiting the playoffs in the first round, losing to the undermanned underdogs in Minnesota, the veteran guard has a lot to prove in 2026-2027.GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 23: ChristianBraun #0 of the Denver Nuggets in action against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on October 23, 2025 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“Sometimes it’s good to get punched in the mouth a little bit,” Braun told DNVR’s Harrison Wind.“It’s good to have that little setback. Definitely motivated. Definitely excited for the summer. Just got to attack the ankle and make sure the ankle’s in a good spot. I know I’ll bounce back, and I know who I am as a player, so I’m really excited.”Talk can only go so far for a player coming off a down year, but the Nuggets can feel hopeful for Braun’s mindset before the new season.Phoenix Suns v Denver NuggetsGettyDENVER, COLORADO – OCTOBER 25: Christian Braun #0 of the Denver Nuggets plays the Phoenix Suns in the third quarter at Ball Arena on October 25, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDuring his rookie effort with the Nuggets, Braun appeared in 76 games.Most of his matchups were off the bench, for an average of 15.5 minutes per game.The veteran guard shot 49.5% from the field and 35.4% from three, averaging 4.7 points per game.Those