Deni Avdija might just be the best bargain in the NBA right now - and the Portland Trail Blazers know it. Acquired in what’s quickly turning into a lopsided trade with the Wizards, Avdija is on a front-loaded deal that’s as team-friendly as they come: $14.4 million this season, scaling down to $11.9 million by 2027-28. That kind of descending contract is rare for a player who’s rapidly emerging as a foundational piece.
But with that value comes a challenge. Avdija is already outperforming his deal, and Portland’s front office knows they’ll need to address it sooner rather than later.
The current structure limits their extension options - they can only offer 140% of the final-year salary in an extension, which likely won’t cut it for a player on the rise. So while the Blazers benefited in the short term - think flexibility to acquire Jrue Holiday, extend Shaedon Sharpe and Toumani Camara - the long-term math gets trickier.
That’s where Jerami Grant enters the picture.
Trading Grant Could Unlock Avdija’s Future in Portland
Grant is currently the Blazers’ second-highest-paid player, with $102.6 million owed over the next three seasons, including a player option for 2027-28. It’s not an urgent issue - Grant’s been productive this season - but if Portland wants to secure Avdija long-term, clearing Grant’s salary could be the cleanest path.
The idea isn’t just about dumping a contract. It’s about prioritizing the future.
Avdija has quickly become the centerpiece of Portland’s rebuild - a two-way wing with All-Star potential and the kind of versatility that modern NBA teams covet. Locking him down should be at the top of the Blazers’ to-do list.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks and Kevin Pelton recently spotlighted Grant as the Blazer most likely to be moved ahead of the trade deadline. Pelton’s reasoning?
Portland could create enough cap space this offseason to renegotiate and extend Avdija’s deal - something that’s not possible under the current cap constraints. The downside?
Trading Grant would make the Blazers’ already shaky shooting even worse. But the upside - securing Avdija for the long haul - may be worth the short-term hit.
Grant’s Resurgence Has Shifted the Conversation
Not long ago, Grant was viewed as a negative asset. After a disappointing 2024-25 season, his contract looked like a long-term problem.
Fast forward to this year, and he’s flipped the narrative. Grant’s averaging 20 points, 4 rebounds, and nearly 3 assists per game, while shooting a sharp 44% from the field, 39% from deep, and 87% from the line.
That kind of efficiency, especially from a veteran forward, has made him a valuable piece again - not just to Portland, but to potential suitors.
Now, the challenge isn’t finding someone who wants Grant - it’s making the money work. Midseason trades are always trickier with limited roster flexibility and cap maneuverability. But if the right deal materializes, Portland has a real decision to make.
A Long-Term Lens for a Rebuilding Team
General manager Joe Cronin has consistently preached patience and a long-term vision, and this situation is a prime example of that approach being tested. Grant helps the Blazers stay competitive in the short term - they’re still in the play-in mix - but Avdija represents the future. And if that means taking a step back now to take a leap forward later, it’s a move worth considering.
Portland’s front office isn’t just managing a roster - they’re managing a timeline. Avdija’s development has accelerated that clock, and now it’s up to the Blazers to keep pace. Trading Grant might sting in the moment, but if it opens the door to a long-term deal with one of the league’s most promising young wings, it could be the kind of move that defines this rebuild.