Wizards, Blazers Agree To Big Trade Before The 2024 NBA Draft

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06/26/2024 07:05 PM

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 23: Russell Westbrook #4 of the Washington Wizards high fives Deni Avdija #9 in a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on December 23, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

The Washington Wizards and Portland Trail Blazers aren't waiting for the NBA Draft to start in order to get down to business. Moments ago, they agreed to a trade involving Deni Avdija.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Wizards are sending Avdija to the Trail Blazers in exchange for Malcolm Brogdon and the 14th overall pick in tonight's draft.

The Wizards will also receive a 2029 draft pick from the Trail Blazers.

Avdija, a former first-round pick, is coming off his best season as a pro. He averaged 14.7 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game for the Wizards.

One of the biggest improvements to Avdija's game this past season was his 3-point shooting. The 6-foot-9 forward from Israel knocked down 37.4 percent of his attempts from downtown.

Clearly, the Trail Blazers see Avdija being part of their long-term plan. After all, he signed a four-year, $55 million contract in 2023.

Brogdon, on the other hand, only appeared in 39 games this season. The former Rookie of the Year averaged 15.7 points per contest.

The Wizards could flip Brogdon to another team if they want to. He still has value for teams in need of a playmaker who can defend at a high level.