Offseason Report Card: Blazers get one A, two Bs, and one C for summer moves
By Reese Kunz
The Portland Trail Blazers and general manager Joe Cronin have been quiet lately. Their two significant offseason moves came on day one of the 2024 NBA Draft when they traded for Deni Avdija and selected Donovan Clingan. It's a crucial summer for the Blazers as they navigate their first entire offseason following the Damian Lillard trade request and subsequent moves.
They may not be done with their moves as they continue their roster teardown, but how have the Blazers done so far this summer?
1. Traded for Deni Avdija
The Blazers traded the Washington Wizards for Deni Avdija in exchange for Malcolm Brogdon, the No. 14 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft (Bub Carrington), a 2029 first-round pick, and two future second-round picks. Moving Brogdon allowed Portland to get under the luxury tax and opened up more minutes for rising stars Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe.
Blazers assistant general manager Mike Schmitz, who was an ESPN draft analyst at the time, even said Avdija deserved to be in the top-three conversation for prospects in the 2020 NBA Draft. Avdija is precisely what this Blazers roster was missing as a versatile 6-foot-9 wing whose well-rounded game will elevate Portland's overall level of play. He's 23 years old and should be the Blazers' long-term answer for one of their forward spots.
On the surface, giving up Brogdon and two first-round picks is a lot of assets to give up for Avdija. But after factoring in Brogdon's expiring deal, Portland's financial situation, and the weak 2024 draft class, this trade turns out to be a win for the Blazers.
Grade: B+