Deni Avdija shocked by trade, happy to be with Trail Blazers

Deni Avdija didn’t see a trade coming.

He had just ended his best season with Washington. He had signed a team-friendly deal last October. The Wizards appeared pleased with the development of the forward they selected with the ninth pick in the 2020 NBA draft.

On June 26, during the NBA draft, Avdija snoozed at his home in Israel. A phone call woke him at around 2 a.m.

The person on the other line informed Avdija that he had been traded to the Portland Trail Blazers.

“I didn’t go back to sleep that night,” he said.

Avdija was stunned. But he eventually saw the bright side of the move.

“It took me time to embrace it, but now, when I’m like over it, I feel like I’m in a great spot, and I’m very happy,” he said.

Avdija came to the Blazers in exchange for Malcolm Brogdon, the No. 14 pick in June’s draft, a first-round pick in 2029 and second-round picks in 2028 and 2030.

The Blazers, who are building around young guards Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson, needed a young, impact forward with size to add to the mix.

Avdija, 23, averaged 14.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists last season for the 15-67 Wizards. He shot 50.6% from the field and 37.4% from three-point range. All of his numbers exceeded what he had produced over his first three seasons, when he averaged 8.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists on 43.1% shooting, and 31.0% on three-pointers.

The Blazers hope Avdija, who was introduced to reporters on Monday, continues his upward trajectory while filling a position of severe need.

However, the improvement showed convinced Avdija he would remain with the Wizards, who had signed him to a four-year extension worth $55 million.

“I think they really loved me,” he said. “I think I’ve done a lot for the organization, for the city. It was just not the timeline, I guess. I did whatever I can. I gave everything I could on the floor. And that’s part of the business.”

Yes, the business. The part of the NBA where teams will unload players in a moment’s notice.

“I think I’ve matured enough in this league to understand the business side of it,” Avdija said. “To understand that it doesn’t matter where you’re at. At the end of the day, you’re playing ball. You play the game you love. And I’m a big competitive guy. I love winning. I love being around people and meet new people.”

While the Wizards were willing to move Avdija, the price was steep for a player who has had just one good season.

“They gave up a lot to get me and I feel like it’s an honor,” Avdija said.

Blazers general manager Joe Cronin, who did not speak to reporters Monday, clearly placed a lot of value in Avdija and his contract, which will help the team remain below the NBA’s luxury tax threshold while the Blazers continue to tinker with the roster. The clear objective is returning to the lottery again next year.

Avdija expressed his joy in going to a place where he felt fully embraced. When he arrived, management met him at the airport, whisked him away to dinner, and spent a lot of time talking about the city, its culture and the organization.

Avdija said he also felt well-received by several of his new teammates.

“The players welcomed me pretty good,” Avdija said. “Been seeing them around the facility. Everybody’s smiling and telling me congratulations.”

Avdija said his journey to this point hasn’t been easy. He has had to grind his way into the NBA and to improve to the point where a team such as the Blazers would see value in his game.

“I’m always trying to make the right play as much as I can,” he said. “I’m very team-friendly. My teammates, I want to do the best I can to make them be better on the court. And just hard-nosed, trying to come do his job and just win games.”

Based on his conversations with Cronin and others, Avdija said he is expected to be a big part of the team and help the franchise reach the next level.

Many young Blazers have struggled to learn how to play at the NBA level, something Avdija experienced during his first three seasons.

“I’ll definitely have talks with some of the players,” Avdija said. “I’ll definitely try to help my team and some of the young guys to really help them bring their game up a level. Other than that, I’m here for them, and we’re going to do it together.”

Avdija certainly adds durability to the lineup. He played 75 games last season, 76 the season before, and 82 in 2021-22.

“It’s really important for me,” he said. “I want to be there for the team in every game possible. Bring my competitiveness. Bring my joy for the game. And I feel like doing all the extra stuff around. It really helps me do it. That’s my goal. Play as many games as possible. I did 82 once, that one year. And I’m going to try to do it again.”

Height. Size. Shooting. Youth. Good contract. Avdija checks a lot of boxes. Now, he must demonstrate further patience for losing. But he sees light at the end of the tunnel with the Blazers.

“I really believe that this group can get there,” he said.

-- Aaron Fentress | afentress@Oregonian.com | @AaronJFentress (Twitter), @AaronJFentress (Instagram), @AaronFentress (Facebook)