The Portland Trail Blazers have a star in the making in Deni Avdija. The versatile forward continues to improve to the point where he may legitimately figure in All Star discussions this season. It’s been a joy to watch his progression from exciting Israeli league prospect, to 9th pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, to the Blazers’ on-court leader over the past 18 months.

While injuries and inconsistent play have hindered the franchise through the early part of the season, Avdija has been the most pleasing part through the first four weeks. That pleasant feeling is helped along by the fact that he’s on a ridiculously team-friendly deal, descending in value until it expires in 2028.

To put his deal in context, the money is so good that the final three years will be under the projected Mid Level-E

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