The Washington Wizards‘ decision to trade Deni Avdija to the Portland Trail Blazers in July 2024 is sparking renewed debate after the Israeli forward began an impressive breakout season. Now 25, Avdija is averaging 25.8 points per game, ranking 13th in the NBA, while also contributing 7.2 rebounds and 6.8 assists in nearly 35 minutes per game. The trade is under fresh scrutiny after Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and Hall of Famer Steve Nash discussed the player’s rapid rise on Nash’s Mind the Game podcast on January 6.
James questioned whether the Wizards regretted their choice, while Nash praised Avdija’s improved conditioning, sharpness, and enhanced playmaking skills. Nash asserted,
“Yeah, ruined their decision there. Because I mean, this is a quality, quality player in our league.”
James concurred, saying,
“He’s a big-time player. He’s good. He’s really good.”
Tracing Deni Avdija’s Journey with the Wizards and Trail Blazers
Deni Avdija was selected ninth overall by the Wizards in the 2020 NBA Draft under then-GM Tommy Sheppard. His early career featured modest production, with under 10 points per game and shooting percentages below 44 percent in each of his first three seasons. However, the 6-foot-8 forward showed progress after signing a four-year, $55 million rookie contract extension in October 2023, shortly after Michael Winger and Will Dawkins assumed control of Washington’s front office. Avdija averaged 14.7 points on 50.6 percent shooting in the 2023–24 season while contributing solid numbers in rebounds and assists.
Despite these improvements, Wizards leadership aimed to reconstruct the roster around younger players acquired through the draft, starting with guard Bilal Coulibaly from France in 2023. This strategic reset meant Avdija was traded in July 2024 as part of a package deal that included the 14th overall pick in the 2024 draft, multiple future draft selections, and veteran guard Malcolm Brogdon.
The Trail Blazers acquired Avdija and quickly selected guard Bub Carrington, who was immediately traded to the Wizards to complete the deal. Portland also added big man Alex Sarr and wing Kyshawn George to Washington’s 2024 draft class. Each has participated in the Rising Stars Challenge, signifying their potential and growth in the league.
Comparing Performance Metrics: Avdija and Bub Carrington
Bub Carrington and Deni Avdija’s rookie-season and early-career statistics provide an illuminating contrast. Carrington, a 20-year-old guard, earned Second-Team All-Rookie honors due to his 9.8 points per game on 40.1 percent shooting and refined three-point accuracy. Avdija, meanwhile, averaged 16.9 points on 47.6 percent shooting in a similar span, demonstrating clear superiority in overall production.
Though Avdija holds a notable advantage in scoring and rebounding, Carrington’s improved three-point shooting this season, currently at 40.3 percent, offers hope for a solid long-term role as a reliable perimeter shooter. With Avdija standing 6-foot-8 and Carrington shorter at 6-foot-4, their skill sets differ substantially—Avdija excels as a slasher and playmaker, while Carrington focuses on spacing the floor.
Recent Matchup: Wizards Defeat Trail Blazers Led by Avdija
In a January 27 matchup, the Wizards defeated the Trail Blazers 115-111 on the road, marking a notable chapter in the Avdija trade debate. Trail Blazers rookie Alex Sarr recorded a historic game with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 blocks, becoming only the seventh player aged 20 or younger to achieve such numbers, joining greats like Victor Wembanyama and Shaquille O’Neal. Kyshawn George and Tre Johnson contributed with 19 and 18 points respectively, while the Wizards’ young core, including Carrington, played decisive roles.
Avdija’s performance, with 17 points and 12 rebounds, was contained by the Wizards’ defense, and his team suffered from multiple turnovers. Carrington’s clutch shooting in the final minutes, including a critical floater that gave Washington the lead, underscored his value in the trade. Washington, though holding the NBA’s second-worst record at 11-34, gained confidence from defeating a playoff-capable Portland side, providing valuable experience for their revamped roster.
Assessing the Long-Term Impact of the Avdija Trade
The broader picture of the trade involves Washington accepting a current downgrade, reflected by their league-worst or near-worst record, in exchange for greater future potential. Carrington’s consistency as a three-point shooter and role player offers promise as a bench scorer, but he is unlikely to reach Avdija’s all-around impact. Despite this, the Wizards aimed to rebuild with young talent sharing a similar developmental timeline, replenishing through draft picks like the promising Will Riley and potential lottery prospects AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Cameron Boozer.
The Trail Blazers, for their part, improved record-wise and playoff positioning, earning a 36-46 finish and competing closely for the Western Conference Play-In Tournament spot. Avdija serves as a floor-raiser and emerging star for Portland, especially with veteran Damian Lillard expected to return from injury next season. However, without enough top-tier talent around them, a championship remains elusive for Portland despite Avdija’s rise, especially during a league era dominated by superstar-led teams.
Front Office Perspectives on the Trade Decision
Neither Wizards president Michael Winger nor general manager Will Dawkins views the Avdija trade as a misstep. Speaking at a January press conference, Winger stressed the rationale behind the move:
“No, it was not a mistake. We’re all very happy for Deni. We saw Deni as a very high-level ascending player…But no, we did it for the reasons we said then, which was to take us back a couple of years so we could reset the roster and so that everybody was on the same age curve and Deni’s ahead of that.”
Dawkins echoed the sentiments before a recent game, stating,
“When you see Deni in his prime at 25 kind of ready to ascend, that timeline just wasn’t going to be the same as the players that we were trying to go after. It would’ve been a little early and thrown things off, but he’s a really good player and we’re happy to see his success.”
Washington’s Road Ahead and the Hope for Sustainable Growth
The acquisition of veteran star guard Trae Young on January 7 provided the Wizards with an experienced leader as they prepare to rebuild. Young has a player option for next season and can guide a young core that now includes Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, Tre Johnson, Bilal Coulibaly, and Bub Carrington. Alongside promising draft prospects, the Wizards are positioning themselves for a return to competitiveness in the 2025–26 season and beyond.
Though fans and observers like LeBron James may feel the team should regret trading Avdija based on his current performance, Washington’s management remains focused on a long-term strategy centered on cohesive youth development and maximizing draft assets. Success in the near future depends on both the growth of their young players and the organizational patience to endure a transition phase.
Michael Winger’s full response when asked if trading Deni Avdija was a mistake:
“No, it was not a mistake. We’re all very happy for Deni. We saw Deni as a very high-level ascending player…but no, we did it for the reasons we said then which was to take us back a couple of… pic.twitter.com/IsCWJARE6w
— Wizards Film Room (@KevinFolliNBA) January 23, 2026
