The Portland Trail Blazers traded guard Malcolm Brogdon and the No. 14 pick of the 2024 NBA Draft to the Washington Wizards. In return, the Blazers received forward Deni Avdija. The trade also included a conditional 2029 first-round pick and two second-round picks from the Blazers to the Wizards.
Deni Avdija finished sixth in Most Improved Player voting for the 2023-24 season. He averaged 14.7 points with a 50.6% field-goal percentage and a 37.4% three-point percentage. Avdija also recorded career highs in rebounds (7.2) and assists (3.8).
Avdija signed a four-year, $55 million extension in October 2023, which starts in the upcoming season. This extension reflects his growing role and performance within the league.
Malcolm Brogdon averaged 15.7 points on 44.0% shooting, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists during the 2023-24 season with the Blazers. However, he only played 39 games due to a season-ending injury (tendinitis in his right elbow).
Portland acquired Brogdon, along with Robert Williams and two first-round picks, from the Boston Celtics in exchange for Jrue Holiday on October 1, 2023. Brogdon had been happy in Portland, expressing that he felt valued in his leadership role.
Brogdon has had a solid NBA career, starting with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2016-17 and achieved a 50/40/90 shooting season in 2018-19. He later played for the Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics before joining the Blazers.
Despite his contentment in Portland, Brogdon's name surfaced in trade rumors, partly due to his expiring contract (2024-25 being the final year of a two-season, $45 million extension). The Blazers needed "at least a first-round pick" to move on from Brogdon.
The Washington Wizards acquired Brogdon, who is expected to bring valuable experience and leadership to the team as they aim for greater success in the upcoming seasons. Brogdon's proven track record and ability to compete at a high level will benefit the Wizards.