Deni Avdija Thrives in Portland After Surprising Trade from Wizards

PORTLAND, Ore. — Deni Avdija is having a breakout season with the Portland Trail Blazers after a mid-season trade from the Washington Wizards that took him by surprise.

The small forward, who signed a four-year, $55 million rookie-scale contract extension with the Wizards prior to the 2023-24 season, found himself on the trading block unexpectedly. “It was nighttime at my place (in Israel), and I woke up. I saw I got traded, and it was very hard for me. All the friendships that I had with the guys there, the city, the fans — it all just disappeared in a second. But everything’s for the good. I feel like I found a nice home in Portland,” Avdija said following the Blazers’ recent win over the Toronto Raptors.

Since joining the Blazers, Avdija has emerged as a key player, averaging a career-high 15.3 points per game and a usage rate of 22.2%. His true shooting percentage is at 59.6%, just shy of his career best. These statistics reflect Avdija’s adaptability and skill in a new environment. “We’ve let him have a lot more responsibility with the ball, and he keeps proving to get better and better at it,” said Blazers coach Chauncey Billups. “He’s like a one-man fast break when he gets the ball. The fire that he plays with takes our team to another level.”

Despite the personal challenges of leaving the Wizards, Avdija’s performance has bolstered the Blazers during their transitional season, becoming a rare bright spot for a team navigating significant roster changes. He is poised to have continuing contributions to the team as he settles into his role.

On the financial front, Avdija’s contract with the Blazers is structured to pay him $14.3 million next season, followed by $13.1 million and $11.8 million in subsequent years, ensuring that he remains an integral part of the Blazers’ future plans.

As the team works through its lineup shifts and integrates new talent, Avdija’s two-way play and leadership are sure to be pivotal. The 2024-25 season has featured an influx of promising young talent, and Avdija’s experience could prove invaluable as the Blazers look to compete moving forward.