Deni Avdija’s Rise in Portland: From Trade Chip to Franchise Cornerstone
When the Portland Trail Blazers swung a deal for Deni Avdija, there were more than a few raised eyebrows around the league. Giving up Malcolm Brogdon, the No. 14 pick in the 2024 draft (Bub Carrington), a 2029 first-rounder, and two future second-round picks felt like a bold move for a team in the early stages of a rebuild. But less than two seasons later, that trade looks less like a gamble and more like a masterstroke.
Avdija hasn’t just fit in with the Blazers-he’s flourished. And with his breakout campaign in full swing, Portland may have found the two-way star they’ve been searching for since the post-Lillard era began.
From Promise to Production
Avdija’s potential wasn’t a secret when he was in Washington. The flashes were there-versatile defense, secondary playmaking, and improving range.
But what’s happened since his move to Portland has been nothing short of a leap. The most notable shift?
His shooting. After hovering around 30% from deep early in his career, Avdija bumped that number up to 37.4% in his final two seasons with the Wizards.
That wasn’t a fluke. He’s kept that consistency going in Portland, sitting around 36% from three over the past two seasons.
But it’s not just the shooting. It’s the all-around game.
Injuries forced Portland to lean on Avdija more heavily, and he responded by expanding his role into that of a point-forward. Suddenly, he wasn't just a complementary piece-he was initiating offense, setting the tone defensively, and carrying stretches of games.
This season, he's averaging 26.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game, all while shooting 47% from the field, 36% from three, and 80% from the line. Those are star numbers, and they’re coming in meaningful minutes for a team still fighting to stay in the Western Conference playoff mix despite a rash of injuries.
A Perfect Fit in Portland
Sometimes, a player just needs the right environment to thrive. That’s been the case here.
Portland has given Avdija the green light to grow, and he’s responded with the kind of production that turns heads around the league. The fit is mutual-Portland needed a young leader to build around, and Avdija needed a franchise willing to bet on his upside.
Both sides are winning.
It’s worth noting just how much his trade value has skyrocketed. Just look at what Orlando had to give up to land Desmond Bane this past summer: Cole Anthony, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, four unprotected first-round picks, and a pick swap.
Avdija is younger, on a friendlier contract, and arguably more impactful on both ends of the floor. If Portland put him on the market now-which they absolutely shouldn’t-he’d command a similar haul, if not more.
Washington’s Missed Opportunity
For the Wizards, this has to sting. The franchise made the call to tear things down and start fresh, and while that’s often the right move for a team stuck in the middle, it only works if you don’t give away your best young talent in the process.
Avdija was already trending upward in D.C.-the signs were there. But Washington chose to move on, and Portland was ready to pounce.
Now, with Avdija on the cusp of his first All-Star selection, it's hard not to wonder what could’ve been for the Wizards. They wanted to rebuild, but in the process, they let a foundational piece walk out the door.
The Verdict
Portland didn’t just win the Avdija trade-they may have pulled off one of the most lopsided deals in recent memory. What looked like a questionable move at the time has become a franchise-altering decision. Avdija has grown into a legitimate star, and he’s doing it while lifting a battered Blazers squad into the playoff conversation.
The Blazers bet on upside. And now, they’re reaping the rewards.