Portland Trail Blazers' Trade for Ja Morant Could Complicate Future for Israeli Forward Deni Avdija

Deni Avdija enters the upcoming NBA season following the best year of his career, but a major trade that brought All-Star Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers may complicate his future with the team. CBS Sports analyzed the trade, which sent Jeremy Grant and Chris Murray to Memphis in exchange for Morant, noting that while it upgrades Portland’s roster, it could create financial challenges for retaining Avdija long-term.

According to analyst Sam Quinn, Portland took on significant long-term salary commitments with Morant’s contract, which may hinder negotiations to extend Avdija’s contract in 2027. Quinn described the trade as understandable but potentially disadvantageous for the Blazers, as the financial burden could limit their flexibility.

Avdija, the ninth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, is entering the third year of his four-year, $55 million contract, earning about $13 million this season and $11 million next year, figures considered modest for a player of his caliber. Morant, by contrast, is set to earn approximately $42 million this season and $44 million in 2027-28. Donovan Klingen’s contract also expires around the same time, adding to Portland’s impending salary cap decisions.

The Blazers have roughly two years to decide their core roster moving forward. While Avdija’s recent performance suggests he could be a foundational player, Morant’s arrival complicates the picture. Portland will likely face tough choices on which players to retain, as they cannot keep everyone under contract simultaneously.