5 Reasons the Portland Trail Blazers won the Deni Avdija trade

5. Solves Portland's luxury tax issue

Prior to this trade, the Blazers had $167 million owed to their existing contracts. Even before factoring in their rookie salaries, Portland was dangerously close to exceeding the $171 million luxury tax. It's a horrible place to be in as a team that finished last in the Western Conference with a 21-61 record. An offseason move was imminent due to their financial issues, and this trade solved that, putting the Blazers $4.2 million under the luxury tax, according to Yossi Gozlan.

The Blazers had a few high-priced players on their roster that they could have moved, such as Deandre Ayton ($34 million next season), Jerami Grant ($30 million), and Anernee Simons ($26 million). However, it was apparent that Brogdon, owed $22.5 million next season, was the odd man out due to his age, expiring contract, and the Blazers' backcourt logjam.

As mentioned, Avdija is a talented wing who fits the Blazers' timeline and roster needs well. But what can't be overlooked in this trade is the fact that he's one of the team-friendliest deals in the league. Here is a breakdown of the remainder of Avdija's contract:

• 2024-25: $15,625,000
• 2025-25: $14,375,000
• 2026-27: $13,125,000
• 2027-28: $11,875,000

His average salary of $13.75 million is slightly higher than the mid-level non-taxpayer exception. It's not too shabby of a contract for a 23-year-old coming off a career-best season. It's also notable that Avdija's contract decreases in value while the salary cap is expected to rise. Given Avdija's upward trajectory, this contract will be even better in the coming seasons.