The Washington Wizards have agreed to a four-year, $55 million contract extension with forward Deni Avdija, according to a source close to the team. The deal, which was first reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania, will keep Avdija in Washington through the 2024-25 season.
Avdija, who was selected ninth overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, has quickly become an integral part of the Wizards’ young core. In his rookie season, he averaged 7.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game while shooting 43.3 percent from the field. He also showed flashes of potential on the defensive end, averaging 1.2 steals and 0.7 blocks per game.
The 20-year-old Israeli forward has been praised for his versatility and basketball IQ, and he has already established himself as a key piece of the Wizards’ future. With the extension, the Wizards are showing their commitment to Avdija and their belief in his potential to develop into a star in the league.
Avdija is just the latest young player to receive a long-term extension from the Wizards. Last month, the team signed guard Rui Hachimura to a four-year, $72 million extension. The Wizards also have guard Bradley Beal under contract through the 2022-23 season and center Thomas Bryant through the 2023-24 season.
The Wizards have made it clear that they are committed to building around their young core and developing them into stars. With Avdija’s extension, the team is sending a message that they believe in his potential and are willing to invest in his future. It will be interesting to see how Avdija develops over the next few years and if he can live up to the expectations set for him by the Wizards.
