Draft times can be entertaining and confusing all at the same time, especially, with all the possibilities of trades that could happen. Ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft, the Portland Trail Blazers made a deal with the Washington Wizards to acquire Deni Avdija in exchange for Malcolm Brogdon, the 14th pick, a 2029 first-round pick and two second-round picks.
At first look, this could look like a puzzling move for both sides. In the Blazers case, they are giving up four picks for a player who has not established himself as a star. On the other side, the Wizards are giving up a young player at the Small Forward position.
How does Deni Avdija fit in Portland?
After trading away Damian Lillard last offseason, the Blazers are still looking to find their footing. They have a young nucleus of players, especially, at the guard positions with Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe. The addition of Avdija provides Portland with a young wing that fits the timeline of those three.
Brogdon had a solid season with Portland, but it wasn’t likely that he would get much playing time next season. At least there was no guarantee of it. He didn’t fit the timeline and was going to be a contract year. With Avdija signing an extension last season, it made more sense and it cut $7 million in cap space.
The fourth-year Israeli forward is coming off his best season in the NBA. He averaged 14.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game with splits of .506/.374/.740. It’s unclear whether or not, he’ll be a starter in Portland. As of now, Jerami Grant will be the starting power forward. Unless the Blazers trade him. There’s also a possibility that the Blazers look to move DeAndre Ayton. So this might be an interesting night for Blazers fans.
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