Wizards' Deni Avdija mistake is Trail Blazers' gain

Washington traded away the rising star, who is now thriving in Portland

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:28pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movement and energy of a basketball game, with the players and court deconstructed into abstract shapes and planes of color.Deni Avdija's breakout performance for the Trail Blazers showcases the versatility and talent that the Wizards failed to fully unlock during his time with the team.Washington Today

The Washington Wizards drafted Deni Avdija in 2020 but never fully unlocked his potential, trading him to the Portland Trail Blazers in 2024. Avdija has since blossomed into a star in Portland, showcasing his scoring, rebounding, and playmaking abilities that the Wizards failed to maximize during his time with the team.

Why it matters

This trade highlights the importance of player development and roster management in the NBA. The Wizards' inability to properly utilize Avdija's skillset allowed the Trail Blazers to acquire a rising talent who is now making a significant impact for their franchise.

The details

In June 2024, the Wizards traded Avdija to the Trail Blazers in exchange for Malcolm Brogdon, a first-round pick used on Bub Carrington, a 2029 first-rounder, and two future second-round picks. Avdija has since emerged as a key player for the Trail Blazers, showcasing his versatility as a 6'8" point forward who can score, rebound, and facilitate the offense.

  • The Wizards drafted Deni Avdija in 2020.
  • Avdija was traded to the Trail Blazers in June 2024.
  • On April 15, 2026, Avdija had a standout performance of 41 points, 7 rebounds, and 12 assists in the play-in tournament against the Phoenix Suns.

The players

Deni Avdija

A 6'8" point forward who was drafted by the Washington Wizards in 2020 but has since blossomed into a star with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Malcolm Brogdon

A veteran guard who the Washington Wizards acquired in the trade that sent Deni Avdija to the Portland Trail Blazers in 2024.

Bub Carrington

A player drafted by the Washington Wizards with the first-round pick they received in the Deni Avdija trade.

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What they’re saying

“The Wizards could've arrived here with Avdija if they didn't waste 4 years giving touches to Westbrook, Dinwiddie and other mid PGs. They drafted a 6-8 point forward but didn't give him the ball. Never made sense. The Blazers figured out how to use Deni basically right away.”

— Kevin O'Connor, NBA Analyst

What’s next

The Trail Blazers will look to continue building around Deni Avdija as they aim to make a deep playoff run. Meanwhile, the Wizards will hope that the assets they acquired in the Avdija trade, including Malcolm Brogdon and Bub Carrington, can help them improve their roster and return to the postseason.

The takeaway

This trade serves as a cautionary tale for NBA teams, highlighting the importance of properly developing and utilizing young talent. The Wizards' failure to maximize Deni Avdija's potential allowed the Trail Blazers to acquire a rising star who is now making a significant impact for their franchise.