Portland Trail Blazers GM Joe Cronin was initially criticized for his bold Deni Avdija trade in 2024. On draft night, Portland shipped Malcolm Brogdon, the No. 14 overall selection (Bub Carrington), a 2029 first-round pick, and two second-round picks (2028 and 2030) to the Washington Wizards.
Many thought Portland, a rebuilding team, should have no business sacrificing future draft capital for someone viewed to be nothing more than a solid role player in Avdija. In retrospect, the lopsided nature of this deal almost singlehandedly accelerated the Blazers' entire rebuild, getting them back into the postseason just two seasons later.
Now, the Blazers are looking to build off that playoff appearance in hopes of making a deeper run catalyzed by Damian Lillard's return. Ja Morant's arrival should help from a pure talent standpoint, but it's clear the Blazers still need a bit more if they want to truly compete with the juggernauts in the Western Conference -- ideally someone who is also a better fit.
That's part of the reason Cronin felt comfortable pulling the trigger on such an aggressive trade, because Avdija was the perfect addition to this young core.
Could that also be the case for Denver Nuggets trade candidate Peyton Watson?
Blazers' Deni Avdija trade blueprint leads to Peyton Watson
ESPN's Shams Charania recently reported that the Nuggets have lowered their asking price on Watson and are now seeking the equivalent of one "high-level player" and one first-round pick. Not quite the same level steal as Avdija, but a very reasonable asking price that the Blazers can fulfill with their treasure trove of assets.
It's similar to Avdija not only in terms of the assets surrendered but also with the opportunity to buy low on a potential rising star. Watson is just 23 years old, coming off a career year in which he averaged 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists on efficient 49/41/73 shooting splits.
It's fair to wonder if the three-point efficiency is here to stay, considering Watson jumped from 29.6, 35.3, to now 41.1 percent his past three seasons. Then again, that was the biggest question mark surrounding Avdija's game after a drastically improved shooting season with the Wizards.
In all likelihood, Watson is more of an actual role player and won't have quite the same star-level ascension as Avdija. Still, he fits the mold of Portland buying into a player who is just starting the upward trajectory of his career.
And considering they're now back in the playoff race, Cronin could be even more compelled to sacrifice picks for a more established piece to help them both win now and grow alongside their young core.
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