Deni Avdija will finally have a chance to play in a featured role without the inherent need to defer.
The Portland Trail Blazers have already given Deni Avdija what the Washington Wizards never would. That much was quickly established during his breakout season in 2024-25, but Portland took its efforts to another level during the 2025 offseason.
By trading Deandre Ayton and Anfernee Simons, the Trail Blazers have guarantee that Avdija will play a featured role without having to defer to high-volume veteran scorers.