Blazers Could Explore Deni avdija โTrade in 2028 Freeโ Agency Horizon
Portland, OR – Whileโ currentlyโ a key piece of the Portlandโ trail Blazers’ rebuild, forward โDeni Avdija could become a trade candidate as early as February’s deadline if the team anticipatesโฃ his departureโ in the summer of 2028 whenโฃ he hits unrestrictedโฃ free agency. The possibility stems โฃfrom the Blazers potentially โคmaximizing return value with twoโ and a half seasons remaining on his โcurrent contract.
The Blazers would โฃlikely seek a important package โขin โฃany Avdija deal, prioritizing a youngโฃ player withโข highโข upside comparable to Avdija’s developmental trajectory. Though, the core of any trade would centre around draft capital. โAccording to sources, Portland wouldn’t consider moving Avdija for less โขthan three toโ four first-round picks, with a preference for โฃat least two โฃlottery picks.
The โappeal for acquiring teams lies in obtaining a near all-Star levelโค talent on a contract below the Mid-Level Exception as โhe enters his prime, potentially offering a greater โขability to re-sign him long-term.
Despite โคthis potential scenario, the article notes that Avdijaโข is not currently expressing dissatisfaction with the Blazers, and โฃthe โขfront office has likely discussed his future plans with him. The team also acknowledges the sensitivityโ surrounding trading โคa key player, referencing the lasting impact โofโ the LaMarcus Aldridge trade a decade ago, but emphasizing the differing circumstances.
Currently, the Blazers are operating under the assumption they can re-sign Avdija when he becomes a free agent in 2028, even acknowledging โany extension offered now may fall short of his market value.For now, โฃa trade remains a thoght exercise, with Avdija expected to remain a central figure in portland’s long-term plans.
