The Blazers are thriving from the Deni Avdija trade with his superb stretch. They have seen improved Avdija stats across recent games. This is a great development for the deal that earned a solid initial trade grade.
The Portland Trail Blazers made a significant move in the 2024 offseason when they made the Demi Avdija trade. They sent two first round picks, two second round picks, and Malcolm Brogdon to the Wizards, and it was an exciting move for Portland.
Unfortunately, the Israeli forward’s season started badly. In his first 11 games, Avdija’s numbers were underwhelming. He only averaged 9.0 points per game on 34.8% shooting from the field and 17.1% from long distance.
Thankfully, Avdija has picked it up as of late. In his last nine games, he has averaged 14.3 points per game on 44.1% from the field and 42.9% from three.
After starting his first 10 games in a slump, where he shot 37% on FGs and 19% from 3 for just 9.9 ppg, Deni Avdija has gotten back into a rhythm
Over his last 9, Avdija is averaging 14.3 ppg on 44% FG and 43% 3PT
His assists are also up from 2.9 to 3.6 pic.twitter.com/Mf1K6n9iso
— Point Made Basketball (@pointmadebball) November 30, 2024
Before the 2024-25 season, Deni played four seasons with the Washington Wizards. He was comfortable in that system, but the trade to Portland made him adjust to new coaches and teammates. The 6-foot-9 versatile forward knew he could thrive in the system, but it took him some time to shine.
Avdija’s stat line and performance were impressive in the NBA Cup game against the Sacramento Kings. He scored 20 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and dished out five assists. Additionally, Deni was effective on the defensive end, starting in place of Jerami Grant.
After starting slow, the Avdija trade did not look like it was panning out. Thankfully, the recent stretch has been impressive enough that people see the long-term fit with Portland. His versatility on both ends of the floor should be his biggest strength in a developing team. At only 23 years old, Deni has a bright future in Rip City.
“I feel like extra work at practice and days off, and times that I can go and shoot, I’ll do it. I think it’s just getting used to the play style, and keep shooting and believing in your shot,” Avdija said in a post-game interview.
A big part of why the Avdija trade grade was high for many people for Portland was due to his contract. He is on a contract where the value descends as it goes on. With three more years on his deal after this season, Deni should be a bargain player for the Blazers.
Furthermore, Deni is not the type of player who will make demands about his role. This season has shown that he is willing to play any role, even if it is off the bench. Toumani Camara earned the starting power forward spot, making Deni the odd man in the starting lineup.
Deni Avdija's contract is awesome. He signed a four-year, $55 million extension last October. He makes $15.625M this coming season and it then descends to $14.375M, $13.125M and $11.875M, according to Spotrac. Source: https://t.co/4dP3LCMMUy
— Jared Cowley (@jaredcowley) June 26, 2024
The Blazers rebuild is progressing, so a reliable and versatile wing like Avdija is valuable. Deni, along with Camara, Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Donovan Clingan is a fun core in the long term.
The NBA trade market is still open, and people should expect Portland to make further moves. There is a chance they trade players by the February 2025 deadline like Jerami Grant and Anfernee Simons. Both players are Rip City favorites, but they are the logical players to trade.
Avdija could benefit from a trade because he will take a spot in the starting lineup. He can produce like Grant on offense and be a ball-handler and playmaker like Simons. A defensive core of Avdija, Camara, and Clingan will also be superb for the Blazers. Expect Deni to keep producing because he continues to improve within Portland’s system.
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