The Portland Trail Blazers surprisingly gave up two first-round picks, two second-rounders, and Malcolm Brogdon to get Deni Avdija ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft, but it turned into a slam dunk move just months later. The 6’9 forward made a leap in Portland, and the 24-year-old is finally realizing the promise that made him a top-ten draft pick. He is the perfect piece for any contending roster with more room to grow.
Avdija averaged 16.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.0 steal per game in his first season in Rip City, which were all career-highs. He shot 47.6 percent from the field and 36.5 percent on his threes. Those numbers include a monster close to the season where he had seven 30-point games over his final 16. Avdija’s shooting and playmaker took a leap that have may viewing him in a new light.
The Wizards thought they were giving up a talented young role-player on the front end of a total rebuild. They were happy to get two first-round picks in return, but they couldn’t help but watch with envy as Avdija broke out for the Blazers.
Deni Avdija’s breakout has the Blazers trade looking like a slam dunk
Can Avdija sustain his incredible late-season run where he averaged 24.9 points, 10.6 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.0 steal in 35.9 minutes per game? The Blazers went 7-9 during that stretch, including wins over the Nuggets and Grizzlies. It seems unlikely, but would not be the first late season signs of reaching a new level.
Fans should not expect him to be a 40 percent 3-point shooter, but he is a strong floor spacer, scorer, and secondary creator with the size to guard multiple positions. Every team in the NBA would love to have that player on their roster, especially at 25 years old.
Avdija just finished the first season of a four-year $55 million contract that looks like a total steal. Given his production, the 6’9 forward has only raised his value. The Blazers have no interest in trading him, but Deni would certainly command a massive haul on the market, especially from a team who believes his late season play is close to his new norm.
The Blazers are eager to build a contending roster and have two new building blocks. Deni Avdija has cemented his status, and Donovan Clingan gives them a young big man loaded with potential. The front office must sort out their guard situation and put pieces around their core to reach the next level in the loaded Western Conference.
The Portland Trail Blazers did an outstanding job in the Deni Avdija trade. The 24-year-old quickly turned what appeared to be an overpay into a bargain. It is just what the franchise needs to exit its rebuild. Can Joe Cronin and his front office pull off another heist? Expect them to try as they enjoy the fruits of this deal for years to come.