The Portland Trail Blazers have acquired forward Deni Avdija from the Washington Wizards in a trade, according to ESPN’s Wojnarowski. In exchange for Avdija, the Blazers sent guard Malcolm Brogdon, the No. 14 pick in the draft, and a 2029 pick.
Avdija, who was selected ninth overall in the 2020 draft, had an impressive fourth NBA season with the Wizards last year. He started 75 games and posted career highs in points, rebounds, and assists per game while shooting efficiently from the field and beyond the arc. Avdija received recognition for Most Improved Player of the Year.
In Portland, Avdija will join a young core of players including Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, Anfernee Simons, and Deandre Ayton. This move gives the Blazers multiple opportunities to add talent as they look towards the future.
On the other hand, Brogdon is a 31-year-old guard who averaged solid numbers in his single season with the Blazers. However, his skill set is more suited to contribute to a contending team which leaves uncertainty about his role with rebuilding Wizards. The addition of the No. 14 pick allows Washington to build for the long term with their Nos. 2
