The Washington Wizards traded forward Deni Avdija to the Portland Trail Blazers for guard Malcolm Brogdon, the No. 14 pick in Wednesday’s draft, a 2029 first-round pick. and two second round picks, Wojnarowski reports from ESPN.
The Trail Blazers used that 14th pick to select Pittsburgh guard Bub Carrington, who will join the Wizards via trade. Carrington, a 6’5″ guard, averaged 13.2 points per game and was named to the ACC All-Rookie Team last season.
Avdija is coming off his fourth NBA season since the Wizards selected him with the ninth pick in the 2020 draft. He started 75 games last season, averaging 14.7 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game while shooting 50.6% from the field and 37.4% from 3-point range. All numbers were career-highs in his first season as a full-time starter, and he earned votes for Most Improved Player of the Year.
Avdija, a 23-year-old wing, joins a young core in Portland that includes 20-year-old guard Scoot Henderson, 21-year-old guard Shaedon Sharpe, 25-year-old guard Anfernee Simons and 25-year-old center. Deandre Ayton. The Trail Blazers also added UConn center Donovan Clingan with the No. 7 pick in Wednesday’s draft.
Brogdon, 31, averaged 15.7 points, 5.5 assists and 3.8 rebounds in a single injury-limited season in Portland after arriving via trade from the Boston Celtics. A player better suited to contribute to a contender, it’s unclear where he fits into the plans for a Wizards team that finished 15-67 last season and doesn’t project to compete for the playoffs next season as constructed.
Carrington and future picks help the Wizards build for the long term. Washington selected 7-1 French center Alex Starr with the second pick Wednesday night. rose from 26th to 24th place with the New York Knicks to select Kyshawn George, a 20-year-old 6-8 wing who shot 41% from 3 as a freshman with Miami.