Wizards executive Michael Winger defends trading Deni Avdija

Cbssports reports Washington Wizards lead executive Michael Winger defended the team’s decision to trade Deni Avdija on the night of the 2024 draft, saying, "No, it was not a mistake," Winger told reporters Thursday. The piece notes Avdija has emerged as a star in Portland, averaging 26 points, 7.1 rebounds and 6.9 assists in 34.9 minutes per game, with a 28.9% usage rate and a 61.6% true shooting percentage, and that he is a candidate for his first All‑Star appearance and the Most Improved Player award.

Winger said the Wizards traded Avdija to "take us back a couple years, so that we could reset the roster and everybody was sort of on the same age curve," calling the move part of a completed "deconstruction phase" and saying Washington was not pursuing short‑term or moderate success.

The franchise received the No. 14 pick in 2024 (Bub Carrington), a 2029 first‑round pick (the second‑most favorable of Portland, Milwaukee and Boston's picks), two future second‑round picks (2028 and 2030) and veteran guard Malcolm Brogdon, who was on an expiring contract and has since retired; the trade also coincided with Portland's 18‑64 season (which led to drafting Tre Johnson at No.

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Sports, Deni Avdija, Michael Winger, Washington Wizards, Portland Trail Blazers, Bub Carrington