By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Following a breakout 2025–26 run that featured his first NBA All-Star selection, Deni Avdija finds himself at the center of growing financial intrigue.
The 25-year-old Israeli forward completely transformed the Portland Trail Blazers franchise. He averaged a spectacular 24.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game across the Regular Season and the ensuing Playoffs, presented by Google. However, league insiders report that this meteoric rise to superstardom has created an unexpected contract dilemma due to the strict mechanics of the league’s collective bargaining agreement.
Avdija has a team-friendly four-year, $55 million rookie contract extension originally signed with the Washington Wizards. Because the deal is uniquely front-loaded, his salary drops to $13.1 million for the upcoming campaign before bottoming out at just $11.8 million in its final year. While this structure represents an incredible luxury under Portland’s current salary cap, veteran extension rules legally limit how much a franchise can offer based on a player’s previous earnings. Capped at a standard 140% increase from his deflated salary, Portland is currently barred from offering him the max-level extension that his All-Star production commands on the open market.
Consequently, the Trail Blazers face an uphill battle preserving the long-term roster flexibility required to restructure and properly reward their new star. Rumors are already swirling that if Portland cannot find a creative financial loophole, there is a very high probability that Avdija will bypass an extension entirely. By doing so, he would emerge as an unrestricted free agent following the 2027–28 season.
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