Deni Avdija has rapidly emerged as one of the NBA’s most intriguing young stars, blending versatile scoring, rebounding, and playmaking with international pedigree and a team-friendly contract that makes him one of the league’s best values.
Early Life and Rising Career
Born on January 3, 2001, in Beit Zera, Israel, Deni Avdija grew up in a sports family — his father, Zufer Avdija, was a professional basketball player in former Yugoslavia and Israel, while his mother, Sharon Artzi, was a track and field athlete and basketball player.
Avdija began playing for Maccabi Tel Aviv’s youth teams and eventually made his senior debut at just 16 years old, showing early promise with strong fundamentals and basketball IQ.
After dominating youth competition and earning MVP honors at the FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship, Avdija declared for the 2020 NBA Draft. He was selected 9th overall by the Washington Wizards, becoming one of the highest-drafted Israeli players in history.
Career Highs and NBA Growth
Avdija has consistently improved his game in the NBA. Early career highlights include:
-
First career triple-double with 30 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists in 2025.
-
Posting 43 points and 15 rebounds in a game in February 2024 — his career high in scoring.
-
Averaging career-best stats across multiple categories by the end of the 2023-24 season with 14.7 PPG, 7.2 RPG, and 3.8 APG.
During the 2025-26 season, he continued his rise, averaging near All-Star-caliber numbers, showcasing elite playmaking and scoring efficiency from the forward position.
Personal Life — Wife or Relationship Status
Unlike many NBA stars, Avdija is very private about his personal life. No reliable information confirms that he is married or has a wife. There are rumors and social media speculation about relationships, but no verified public record of a spouse or marriage exists.
Avdija’s focus appears to remain squarely on his basketball career and family background rather than public romantic disclosures.
Age and Physical Profile
-
Age: As of 2026, Avdija is 25 years old (born January 3, 2001).
-
Height & Position: Around 6′9″ (2.06 m) and plays primarily as a small forward in the NBA.
His combination of size, skill, and versatility has allowed him to grow into a key scorer, rebounder, and facilitator for his team.
Contract Details and Salary
Avdija signed a four-year, $55 million rookie extension with the Washington Wizards in October 2023, which later carried over when he was traded.
Contract Breakdown
-
2024-25: $15,625,000
-
2025-26: $14,375,000
-
2026-27: $13,125,000
-
2027-28: $11,875,000
-
Total: ~$55 million guaranteed
This structure gives his team financial flexibility while Avdija plays at a high level — a major reason he’s deemed one of the league’s top “bargain” contracts.
According to salary trackers, he is among the top-paid players on his team and one of the highest-paid Israeli athletes globally.
Trade and Team Movement
-
Initially drafted by Washington Wizards (2020).
-
Traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in July 2024 in exchange for Malcolm Brogdon, draft picks, and additional assets.
The trade gave Avdija an opportunity to be a central offensive option and expand his role, which he seized with increased scoring and statistical output.
Future Outlook
At just 25 years old with improving performances, versatile skills, and a cost-effective contract, Deni Avdija remains one to watch — both as a building block for the Trail Blazers and potentially a future NBA All-Star or franchise cornerstone.
In Summary:
Deni Avdija’s career trajectory — from international star to NBA standout — is marked by steady improvement, clutch performances, a smart contract, and the potential for even bigger achievements ahead. While his personal life remains private, his impact on the court continues to grow.
Leave a Reply