The Portland Trail Blazers’ trade for Deni Avdija in the 2024 offseason was met with some skepticism at the time. In large part, that skepticism was due to the draft capital Portland gave up to the Washington Wizards in the outgoing package: the 2025 No. 14 pick, a 2029 first-round pick, and two future seconds, alongside veteran guard Malcolm Brogdon.
However, just one year later, the trade is aging pretty well for the Trail Blazers — even at that price — after a breakout season from the 6-foot-9 forward.
ESPN’s Kevin Pelton agrees with that sentiment.