3 Most underpaid Portland Trail Blazers players on next season's roster

3. Deni Avdija

2024-25: $15.6 million

The Trail Blazers were able to get under the luxury tax by getting off of Malcolm Brogdon's $22.5 million expiring contract. It was a great deal as Rip City was able to continue their roster teardown and make room for their up-and-coming backcourt of Henderson and Sharpe. But an underappreciated aspect of that deal for the Blazers is how much of a steal Deni Avdija's contract is.

Last year, Avdija signed a four-year, $55 million extension with the Wizards. From the team's standpoint, it was great timing. Avidja had a fourth-year breakout, improving his scoring from 9.2 points to 14.7. The most significant leap was in his three-point shooting, increasing his percentage beyond the arc from 29.7 to 37.4.

That is already excellent value, but his contract is also front-loaded and should only continue to look like more of a steal each season. In 2024-25, Avidja is on the books for $15.6 million, which is incredibly cheap for a starting forward who fills multiple needs for the Blazers' roster with his versatility, positional size, and playmaking. His contract runs through 2027-28, where he is only owed $11.9 million and should be just entering his prime.