The NBA Draft is set to begin later this evening, but the Washington Wizards didn’t wait until the festivities began to make a move. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, and others, the Wizards have traded forward Deni Avdija to Th Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Malcolm Brogdon, the 14th overall pick in tonight’s Draft and a 2029 pick.
Avdija had a breakout season in 23-24, averaging career highs in points (14.9) , rebounds (7.2), assists (3.8), field goal percentage (50.6%), and three-point percentage ( 37.4%). At just 23 he is on the ascension and is on a team-friendly contract that will pay him $15.625m, $14.375m, $13.125m and $11.875m over the next four seasons.
The Wizards get Malcolm Brogdon, while reliable and steady, the veteran point guard has battled injuries throughout his career, only appearing in 64 games or more in just three of his eight seasons. Last year the former Rookie of the Year averaged 15.7 points, 5.5 assists and 3.8 rebounds but appeared in just 39 contests.
