US Analysts Warn: Ja Morant Could Pose a Major Problem for Deni Avdija
Deni Avdija is heading into the upcoming NBA season after the best year of his career, but analysts in the US suggest that the major trade bringing Ja Morant to Portland could complicate his future with the club.
Deni Avdija is heading into the upcoming NBA season after the best year of his career, but in the US, it is estimated that the major trade that brought Ja Morant to Portland could complicate his future with the club. CBS Sports analyzed the implications of the deal, in which the Trail Blazers sent Jerami Grant and Kris Murray in exchange for the Memphis star, and argued that despite the professional upgrade, it could put Avdija in a problematic position financially.
According to analyst Sam Quinn, while Portland managed to add an All-Star level player without paying a particularly heavy price, in the long run, the move could hurt the possibility of keeping Avdija at the club.
"The Blazers have taken on long-term financial commitments, which puts Avdija in a less favorable position. This will make negotiations for his contract extension in 2027 more difficult. For Portland, this trade could turn out to be an addition that is actually a disadvantage. The fact that they didn't pay much for Morant doesn't negate that possibility. It's a deal you can understand, but not necessarily a good deal," he wrote.
Avdija, who was selected ninth in the 2020 draft, is coming off a career-best season in which he became an All-Star for the first time. He is now entering the third of four seasons on his current $55 million contract, which is considered one of the most cost-effective in the league. The Israeli forward will earn about $13 million in the upcoming season and about $11 million the following season — amounts significantly lower compared to players of his caliber.
However, in the summer of 2028, Avdija's contract is set to expire — just like Morant's, who earns about $42 million in the upcoming season and about $44 million in the 2027/28 season. In addition, Donovan Clingan's contract is also set to expire around the same time, which could leave Portland's management facing particularly complex decisions. According to the analysis, the Blazers now have about two years to decide who they will build the team around for the future.
"The natural inclination, following last season, is to choose Avdija," it was written, "but the addition of Morant only complicates the picture. Portland will not be able to keep everyone, and therefore will have to make significant decisions regarding the direction of the club in the coming years."
