The Washington Wizards were looking to move up in Wednesday’s 2024 NBA Draft. The Portland Trail Blazers, on the other hand, were looking to add more talent to their young and very promising core.
The two teams were able to strike a deal that saw both sides get what they wanted.
Portland Trail Blazers Trade for Deni Avdija
Apparently, the Blazers were willing to part ways with their No. 14 overall pick in the draft. They ended up sending it to Washington in exchange for 6-foot-9 small forward Deni Avdija.
This report comes via NBA guru Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN:
The Washington Wizards are trading F Deni Avdija to the Portland Trail Blazers for Malcolm Brogdon and the 14th pick tonight and 2029 pick, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/inF8ezNZtL
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 26, 2024
As Woj indicated in his report, the Blazers also sent former Rookie of the Year Malcolm Brogdon to Washington as part of the deal.
This is a massive swing by the Blazers, who have now added another young stud to their roster. Portland is expected to field a starting lineup next season that features Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons, Shaedon Sharpe, Deandre Ayton, and Avdija, all of whom are below 25 years of age.
Last term, in his fourth season in Washington, the former No. 9 overall pick averaged career-best numbers of 14.7 points on 50.6 percent shooting, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, which prompted a nomination for the Most Improved Player of the Year award.
For their part, the Wizards have decided to use the No. 14 pick to select Pittsburgh freshman guard Carlton Carrington, who should slide in nicely alongside Jordan Poole in the backcourt.
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