Trail Blazers pick up forward Deni Avdija in trade with Washington

Published 10:45 am Saturday, July 6, 2024

The Portland Trail Blazers made a reported trade official on Saturday, July 6, getting Deni Avdija from the Washington Wizards in return for Malcolm Brogdon, the No. 14 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, one 2029 first-round pick, one 2028 second-round pick and one 2030 second-round pick.

As for what’s leaving, Malcolm Brogdon is done in Portland after one injury-riddled season where he averaged 15.7 points and 5.5 assists per game in 39 games played. The Blazers also shipped their No. 14 pick in the draft that they acquired from the Golden State Warriors in Bub Carrington.

Avdija, a 6-foot-9 forward, has played four seasons in the NBA, all for the Wizards and became a full-time starter for Washington this past season. The 23-year-old averaged 14.7 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game last season.

Part of Avdija’s ascension was his 3-point shooting as he shot 37.4% from 3-point range and 50.6% from the floor, along with 74% from the free throw line.

Those numbers helped Avdija finish sixth in voting for the Most Improved Player award as many saw the 2023-2024 season as part of a breakout for the young forward from Israel.

Avdija fills a void the Blazer have in shooting as they finished last in the NBA last season in 3-point percentage. Having a longer forward who can knock down some deep shots can potentially open up the offense more for Portland’s young guards in Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe and Anfernee Simons to operate more.

Avdija signed a rookie extension contract with Washington this year for four years, $55 million guaranteed, putting him on the books for Portland through the 2027-2028 season.

The 2029 first-round pick will be the second most favorable option of the Blazers’ first-round picks of which they have three between their own, Milwaukee’s and Boston’s.

Avdija will wear No. 8 for the Blazers.