5 years for $125 million! The worst starting shooting guard! The Nuggets need to trade him ASAP

In the 25-26 season, the Nuggets finished third in the Western Conference with an impressive 54-28 regular-season record, but were eliminated by the Timberwolves 4-2 in the first round of the playoffs this year.

Even more troubling, the team's total payroll has exceeded the luxury tax line by $18 million, hitting the second apron as well. Moreover, Jokić is eligible this summer to sign a supermax extension worth either 3 years for $214 million or 4 years for $278 million...

Simply put, due to various factors, the Nuggets are facing a harsh reality of dismantling.

Recently, Forbes reporter Sidery reported:The Nuggets are preparing for a major shakeup—every player except Jokić is available for trade.

Yes, even core members Murray and Gordon have been put on the trading block. One signed a 4-year, $208 million deal two years ago, and the other signed a 3-year, $104 million deal two years ago.

Of course, if we're talking about the player the Nuggets should trade most, I believe everyone would vote for Braun. The 5-year, $125 million contract he signed last year is about to officially kick in, as detailed below:

26-27 season: $21.55 million; 27-28 season: $23.28 million; 28-29 season: $25 million; 29-30 season: $26.72 million; 30-31 season: $28.45 million.

Last season, as the Nuggets' permanent starting shooting guard, Braun played 44 regular-season games, averaging 31.8 minutes, 12 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, with shooting splits of 51.9%, 30.1%, and 78.2%. In this year's playoffs, he averaged 31.2 minutes, but only 8.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1 steal, with splits of 41.7%, 42.9%, and 73.7%.

Braun was born on April 17, 2001. He is a 6'6" swingman with a 6'6" wingspan, selected as the 21st pick in the first round of the 2022 draft.

This guy has limited self-creation ability, and his main scoring comes from transition. Last regular season, he averaged 3.8 fast-break points per game, ranking eighth in the league, while 41-year-old James led the league with 5.7 points per game.

In short, Braun's performance does not match his $25 million annual salary. As a result, he has become the most likely and primary candidate for the Nuggets to offload. However, due to his contract, he might end up being untradeable and stuck with the team.