Deni Avdija’s Breakout Season Is Making His Contract Look Like a Steal
Deni Avdija is playing the best basketball of his career-and he’s doing it with the kind of confidence that turns heads and changes narratives. Now in his sixth NBA season, the 6-foot-9 forward is putting up career-best numbers, averaging 26.2 points and 6.9 assists per game. That’s not just a step forward-it’s a leap into a different tier of impact player.
And here’s the kicker: he’s doing all this on a four-year, $55 million extension that’s suddenly looking like one of the best value deals in the league.
This wasn’t a flashy, headline-grabbing contract when it was signed. It was a move rooted in stability and self-awareness.
Avdija didn’t chase every last dollar. Instead, he chose security-betting that his game would eventually speak louder than his paycheck.
“It gave me a lot of calmness, because I know I’m secure,” Avdija said recently. “That was my goal.”
It’s a rare mindset in a league where betting on yourself usually means holding out for a bigger payday. Avdija’s agent reportedly pushed for a shorter deal, something that might’ve positioned him for a quicker trip back to the negotiating table. But Avdija had a different vision-one that prioritized peace of mind over market timing.
“If I outplay my contract, I outplay my contract,” he said. “We will deal with that later.
I’m not going to worry about $10 million more or $20 million less. This is what I got, and I’m going to say thank you and not take it for granted.
It’s still a lot of money.”
That kind of perspective-combined with the production he’s putting on the court-makes Avdija one of the most compelling stories of the season. He’s not just filling up the box score; he’s doing it with poise, pacing, and a level of command that suggests this isn’t a hot streak-it’s a breakout.
Scoot Henderson Still Sidelined, But Showing Signs of Progress
While Avdija is lighting it up, another young talent is still waiting for his shot this season.
Scoot Henderson has yet to make his season debut after suffering a torn left hamstring. It’s been a frustrating wait for the highly touted guard, and there’s still no official timetable for his return. But there was a glimmer of good news this week: Henderson has started moving again.
Interim head coach Tiago Splitter offered a measured update, urging fans and media alike to stay patient.
“He is progressing,” Splitter said. “Everybody’s a little bit frustrated about this, but it’s a tough injury.”
And it’s not just about getting him back on the floor-it’s about making sure he’s fully ready when he does return.
“He’s a big part of our franchise,” Splitter added. “We’ve got to protect him. I think we’re doing the right thing and he’s feeling better day by day.”
It’s a long season, and for a player with Henderson’s upside, the team is clearly playing the long game. The flashes he showed before the injury were enough to remind everyone why he’s considered a cornerstone piece. Now, it’s just about making sure that when he’s back, he’s ready to stay.