Wizards and Deni Avdija agree on team-friendly extension

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Washington Wizards and forward Deni Avdija have agreed to a four-year, $55 million extension.

The Wizards had until Monday to reach a deal, or Avdija would have been set to be a restricted free agent. The reported deal gives Avdija an annual average value of $13.75 million.

Washington selected Avdija with the ninth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. He’s been primarily a reserve while playing as a secondary ball handler or wing. He averaged 8.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists through 212 games, including 80 starts.

However, Avdija has been most effective on the defensive end. He played exceptionally well defending wings and guards.

Last season, the Wizards consciously declined an extension on 2019 lottery pick Rui Hachimura. Ultimately, Washington traded Hachimura to the Los Angeles Lakers in January, clearing more playing time for Avdija under the previous front office.

Avdija’s future with Washington got questioned as the team parted ways with former general manager Tommy Sheppard before hiring Michael Winger as president and Will Dawkins to replace Sheppard as the GM.

The Wizards underwent a roster makeover this summer, trading Bradley Beal, Kristaps Porzingis and Monte Morris. But Avdija is part of the new front office’s vision.

Deni Avdija will have to fit in behind Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma offensively. Avdija must improve his three-point shooting. Last year, he shot a meager 29.7 percent from downtown.

Poole and Kuzma’s spacing on the floor could give Avdija more open looks to raise his shooting from three.

The Wizards got a bargain deal at $55 million over four years for a player looking to find his way. Washington maintains wiggle room to add to the roster down the road.