Just hours ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft, the Portland Trail Blazers have made a trade, sending veteran guard Malcolm Brogdon along with the 14th pick in Wednesday's draft to the Washington Wizards for forward Deni Avdija, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
The Blazers are also sending a 2029 draft pick to the Wizards.
Brogdon, a former Rookie of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year award winner, was redundant on a Blazers squad that is looking to rebuild with young pieces. Portland also has little playing time available in their backcourt with youngsters Shaedon Sharpe, Scoot Henderson, and Anfernee Simons all deserving of minutes.
The move also makes financial sense for the Blazers as they'll gain some much-needed flexibility. Portland went into the offseason over the $178.7 million first apron, making it difficult to make any moves. They are now $4.2 million below the luxury tax by moving off Malcolm Brogdon's $22.5 million and the no. 14 overall pick.
Avdija, a 23-year-old small forward, had a breakout season last year for the Wizards. He averaged 14.7 points and 7.2 rebounds in 75 games played.
The Blazers desperately need an upgrade on the wing and have found it – to a degree – with Avdija. The young forward is a solid defender, rebounder, and passer that can assist with help-side playmaking. Portland also needs shooting from the wing spots, something that Avdija only began to show last season. The career 32 percent 3-point shooter shot better than 37 percent from the arc last season.
The Blazers are clearly banking on Avdija's upside at a position of need. He's an affordable long-term option that is locked up through 2028 on a declining 4-year/$55 million deal. That price, and the fact that he has already demonstrated in his age-23 season greater contribution than they're likely to get from the no. 14 pick on Wednesday, makes the trade a worthwhile swing for the Blazers.
Why did Wizards acquire Malcolm Brogdon from Blazers for Deni Avdija?
For the Wizards, the deal is all about pathways to improve on Wednesday night. Not only does the team pick up a proven winner in Malcolm Brogdon, but they get a player that has shown that he's the consummate professional in rebuilding situations. Last season in Portland, Brogdon never gave any indication that he was frustrated with losing or limited playing time – despite having come from the championship-caliber Boston Celtics.
The Wizards also obtained another lottery pick in Wednesday's draft. Washington now has picks nos. 2, 14, and 26 in the first round. By acquiring Brogdon and possibly adding three first-round picks to the team, it does raise questions about Kyle Kuzma's future with the team. The Sacramento Kings, who just struck out on Alex Caruso last week, hold the no. 13 pick in the draft and have been known to previously hold interest in Kuzma.