NBA Insider: Deni Avdija Likely to Leave Portland Trail Blazers

Israeli NBA star Deni Avdija may be on the move from the Portland Trail Blazers when his contract expires in the summer of 2028. According to a report by Sam Quinn, a senior NBA writer for CBS Sports, the Trail Blazers are "a sinking ship" and are not structuring their salary cap effectively to retain Avdija.

The core issue stems from a favorable contract Avdija signed with the Washington Wizards in 2023, a four-year deal worth $55 million. This contract, considered a bargain for the acquiring team, sees his salary decrease annually, reaching just $11.8 million in the 2027-28 season.

However, this decreasing salary makes it difficult for Portland to re-sign him. To prevent Avdija, a valuable asset, from entering free agency, the Trail Blazers would need to renegotiate his contract and significantly increase his salary. This maneuver requires available cap space, which the team currently lacks.

Avdija, 25, had a career-best season in the past year, averaging 24.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 6.7 assists. He was selected to his first All-Star game and led Portland to their first playoff appearance since 2021. Given his potential for a maximum contract, Portland faces a significant challenge in keeping him without risking his departure for nothing in 2028.

Separately, Avdija recently addressed criticism regarding his decision not to join the Israeli national team for recent games. He stated on Instagram that those who know him understand his commitment to the team, recalling instances where he played while injured or facing contract uncertainty, emphasizing he never sought excuses to miss playing for Israel when able.