Wizards Trade Deni Avdija To Portland Trail Blazers

Deni Avdija Traded To Portland Trail Blazers

Deni Avdija is on the move to the Portland Trail Blazers. In a bit of a puzzling move for both sides, the Wizards are getting both Malcolm Brogdon and the 14th pick in tonight’s draft. Not a ton of value back for a player picked in the top ten only four years ago. Woj just confirmed the news earlier tonight:

2023-2024 was the best season of the Israeli forward’s short NBA career. He averaged 14.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game with shooting splits of .506/.374/.740. At 6-foot-9 he figures to become their starting power forward next season. That also likely spells the end for Jerami Grant in Portland after his second year in a row averaging 20 PPG.

There’s more to unpack about this deal. Brogdon’s value plummeted in recent months despite being only a year removed from a sixth man of the year award. His attitude and lack of durability costed him big time and the Blazers even sweetened the pot for Washington. A second fresh start in as many years is not exactly ideal. Check out the extra pick swap they included according to Woj:

Nucleus in PNW?

It’s clear that Chauncey Billups and Co. wanted Avdija as a future piece. His fit is intriguing there but should be cool to watch unfold. He’s a young wing that fits in with the timeline of their young guards like Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Anfernee Simons. In the post-Damian Lillard era there is still a lot more work to be done before a real contender rises. However, this is an interesting gamble and the Blazers will obviously not be done as they pick seventh tonight. Does a name like Donovan Clingan come off the board to complete their frontcourt?

The rebuild in Portland is taking yet another interesting step. They have identified Deni Avdija as someone they want to build with.

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