The Washington Wizards have made a trade, sending forward Deni Avdija to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for guard Malcolm Brogdon, the No. 14 pick in the draft, and a 2029 pick, according to ESPN’s Wojnarowski. The news of the trade broke in the hours leading up to the draft.
Avdija, who was selected ninth overall in the 2020 draft, is coming off his fourth NBA season with the Wizards. Last season, he started 75 games and posted career highs in points, rebounds, and assists per game, while shooting efficiently from the field and beyond the arc. He earned recognition for Most Improved Player of the Year.
In Portland, Avdija joins a young core of players, including Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, Anfernee Simons, and Deandre Ayton. The Blazers are sending future draft picks in the deal for Avdija, according to sources.
As for Brogdon, the 31-year-old guard averaged solid numbers in a single season with the Blazers. His skill set is more suited to contribute to a contending team, leaving uncertainty about his role with the rebuilding Wizards. The addition of the No. 14 pick gives Washington multiple opportunities to add talent as they look towards the future. With the Nos. 2, 14, and 26 picks in the first round of the draft, the Wizards are well-positioned to build for the long term.