Hours Before Signing an 8-Figure NBA Contract, 6?6 Nuggets Star Was Once Slapped With a $15,000 Fine

The fine system in the NBA has left many bewildered as to how the league comes up with such numbers. While the league is always levying fines for various acts of misconduct, it’s rare when you hear a team placing a fine on their own players. Although seldom the case, one Denver Nuggets star found himself in a situation where the team fined him $15,000 for breaking ground rules.

With the lump sum for a technical foul being $2,000, many have brought up the issues with the fine system in place. Although far from ideal, it is an effective way to keep players in check, especially considering every player earns in millions today.

The Nuggets Rookie made a Rookie mistake

During the 2022 NBA Draft, the Denver Nuggets selected Christian Braun with the 21st-overall pick. The Kansas native was a part of the Jayhawks team that lifted the 2022 NCAA trophy, which earned him a spot at the NBA draft lottery. After entering the league, the 21-year-old signed an 8-figure contract worth $13.7 million over 4 years.

Although a lump sum, the rookie was fined by his team way before he could get a cent from this multi-million-dollar deal. While appearing on the Rock Chalk Unplugged podcast, the rookie recalled his “Welcome to the NBA moment.” Recounting the incident, the rookie said he found out about his fine with a note that was left on his seat in his locker.

He explained, “Mr. Kroenke, who is our owner. I parked in his three spots. Not only did I park in his spot, I parked in all of them. So it was $5,000 for each of those executive spots.” He tried to get out of the situation by explaining that there was no one in the arena that day and he was caught by the cameras.

While the owner of the largest sports group in America could benefit from an additional $15,000, he didn’t punish the rookie too severely. Clearly a rookie mistake, Braun coughed up $2,500 eventually, which seems fair for a lesson in driving. Nonetheless, the Kansas native will be looking forward to earning almost $14 million over the next four years.

Christian Braun’s Deal in Numbers

After signing a rookie deal worth $13.7 million, the 2022 NCAA champion will be earning that over a span of 4 years. With his guaranteed amount during the signing being $5.7 million,the rook will earn $2.9 million in his first full year. The number is set to rise steadily in his 3rd and 4th year with a sum of $3 million, and $4.9 million respectively.

Watch this story: Utterly Disappointed Charles Barkley Dismantles Nikola Jokic’s Nuggets!

With Braun being a part of the most successful team in Denver’s history, there could be clauses that allow him to earn more, especially if they can oust the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals this year. That seems to be a given now that Nikola Jokic and Co. are just one win away from making history. However, their head coach isn’t celebrating just yet as he said after the game, “We have to understand that we haven?t done anything.?

Do you think the Nuggets will seal the deal in Denver on Monday or will the Heat force a Game 6? Let us know in the comments.