https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45769897/re-grading-last-season-biggest-free-agency-deals Blazers add Deni Avdija Washington Wizards get: G Malcolm Brogdon 2024 No. 14 pick (Bub Carrington) 2029 first-round pick (second-most favorable of Boston/Milwaukee/Portland) Two future second-round picks Portland Trail Blazers get: F Deni Avdija Original grades: Portland: C+ Washington: B+ Regrades: Portland: A- Washington: B- During Avdija's first few weeks with the Blazers, it looked as if they might have been mistaken to buy into his 2023-24 shooting improvement. Avdija was languishing below 25% from 3 and lost his starting job. But from Veterans Day on, Avdija was the team's best player, averaging 18.4 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.1 assists on 39% 3-point shooting and 56% inside the arc. Given Avdija's favorable contract (descending from $14.4 million this season to $11.9 million in 2027-28), if Portland wanted to deal Avdija again, teams might offer even more first-round picks for him. The biggest issue is that Avdija's contract is so good, it probably will take using cap space for a renegotiation in the summer of 2027 to sign him to an extension. The Wizards probably dealt Avdija at the right time, given it might have been difficult to replicate his performance with the Blazers on a team in full rebuilding mode. The No. 14 pick, used on Carrington, might be better than contending teams could have offered in a deal.
