NBA Notes: Nuggets, Christian Braun, Bucks, Hawks, Dyson Daniels

Nuggets

There’s growing optimism in Denver that Christian Braun will be sticking around for the long haul.

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Nuggets and Braun’s agent, Bill Duffy (WME Sports), are making progress on a five-year rookie scale extension expected to land between $115 and $125 million.

Braun, 23, became a full-time starter last season after Kentavious Caldwell-Pope departed in free agency and delivered across the board — averaging 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists on 58/40/83 shooting in 79 games.

Over the weekend, Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported the two sides were far apart, but momentum appears to have shifted as the deadline nears. Both team and player seem eager to get something done before the 6 p.m. Eastern cutoff.

Bucks

Doc Rivers went to bat for Amir Coffey, and it paid off.

According to Scotto, Rivers — who coached Coffey during his rookie season with the Clippers — pushed for Milwaukee to keep the 6-foot-7 wing on its regular-season roster. Coffey impressed in camp and shot 40.9% from deep last year, giving the Bucks another capable floor spacer on the wing.

Milwaukee still needs to make one more move to finalize its 15-man roster. Tyler Smith and Andre Jackson Jr. are vying for the final spot, but Smith could be the odd man out. The Bucks spent the weekend testing the trade market for the 2024 second-rounder, who appeared in 33 games as a rookie.

If no takers emerge before the afternoon deadline, Smith is expected to be waived, per Scotto.

Hawks

Negotiations between the Hawks and guard Dyson Daniels haven’t gone as smoothly.

Per Scotto, the sides are “far apart” as the clock ticks toward the extension deadline. Daniels’ camp, led by agent Daniel Moldovan, is seeking a five-year, $150 million deal, while Atlanta is offering closer to $115 million.

Daniels was a breakout star last season, earning First Team All-Defense honors, leading the NBA in steals, and taking home the Most Improved Player award.

Still, the Hawks added Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard this offseason — two superior shooters who could cut into Daniels’ late-game minutes if the team needs more spacing.

Atlanta’s front office reportedly loves Daniels’ defense and energy, but may hesitate to commit max-level money to a player whose offensive limitations still show in crunch time.