Christian Braun made it clear that Peyton Watson’s departure from Denver will not change the close relationship they built over four seasons.
Christian Braun and Peyton Watson are no longer teammates, but Braun made it clear that their relationship extends well beyond basketball.
Watson left the Denver Nuggets during the offseason in a multiteam sign-and-trade that sent him to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 23-year-old signed a four-year, $88 million contract containing a player option and trade kicker.
The move separated two players who entered the NBA together in 2022 and spent their first four seasons developing alongside each other in Denver.
Speaking to Sean Keeler of The Denver Post, Braun expressed his support for Watson as he begins the next stage of his career.
Apr 10, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guardChristianBraun(0) and forwardPeytonWatson(8) react in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports“Very excited for Peyton and everything he accomplished,” Braun said.
“I mean, every single day that I’ve been in the NBA, I’ve been with Peyton. Every single day we’ve competed, we’ve competed together. We’ve done everything together. We’ve practiced every day together. We’ve done all the rookie stuff together. So Peyton’s my guy.”
Braun and Watson Created Lasting Bond
Braun and Watson experienced nearly every step of their young careers together.
Both were selected in the 2022 NBA Draft and won a championship during their rookie season. They then competed for larger roles as Denver attempted to build a sustainable supporting cast around Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon.
Dec 22, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) celebrates with forward Aaron Gordon (50) and forwardPeytonWatson(8) and guardChristianBraun(0) during the third quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY SportsThat competition could have created tension, especially after their contracts became a major topic surrounding the Nuggets. Braun signed a five-year, $125 million extension, while Watson entered restricted free agency seeking his own long-term deal.
Braun’s comments showed that the business surrounding their contracts never damaged their relationship.
“Me and his guys, his family, his friends have gotten close over the last four years, obviously,” Braun said. “And he’s a guy that obviously supported me at every step. So I’ll do the same for him, always.”
Denver Made Difficult Business Decision
Watson earned his deal after a breakout 2025-26 season in which he averaged 14.6 points and displayed considerable growth on both ends of the floor.
However, Denver’s position above the second apron complicated its ability to retain him. The Nuggets ultimately agreed to the sign-and-trade, receiving an unprotected 2031 first-round pick from Cleveland and a 2032 second-round selection from Sacramento.
Denver recovered valuable draft capital, but it also lost one of its best young defenders. Watson provided size, athleticism and shot-blocking ability that will not be easy to replace.
Apr 18, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) and guardChristianBraun(0) celebrate after a basket and foul during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves in game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn ImagesHis departure also increases the pressure on Braun. The 25-year-old must bounce back from an injury-disrupted season and become a consistent two-way contributor after beginning his lucrative extension.
The two former teammates will now take on greater responsibilities in different cities. Watson joins a Cleveland team with championship expectations, while Braun remains an important part of Denver’s attempt to maximize Jokić’s prime.
Their daily competition is over, but Braun’s message left no uncertainty about his continued support for Watson.
