A few players who hadn’t yet signed long-term contracts secured new agreements to avoid restricted free agency next summer as the deadline for Class of 2020 contract extensions approached on Sunday evening.
While the max level men were finished, certain role people were sought after by clubs for the long term. Zeke Nnaji, a reserve big man for the Denver Nuggets, signed a four-year, $32 million contract to stay with the team. Given their financial situation, the Nuggets are heavily reliant on acquiring and keeping indigenous talent. The reverse scenario is unfolding in Washington, where the Wizards, who acquired a ton of future financial room by dealing Kristaps Porzingis and Bradley Beal, may utilize it to find long-term value for their young players. Deni Avdija is the first person to benefit from that strategy, as the forward and Wizards on Sunday afternoon reached an agreement on a new 4-year, $55 million contract to keep him in Washington for the foreseeable future.
Washington Wizards forward Deni Avdija has agreed on a four-year, $55 million contract extension, his agent Doug Neustadt and Matan Siman-Tov tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/CEEnAuSrNA
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 22, 2023
Avdija had 43.7/29.7/73.9 shooting splits in Year 3 and averaged 9.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. The Wizards are undoubtedly looking for improvement in Year 4. The Wizards’ decision to start their rebuild and want to focus more on player development favor Avdija and may provide him with a few more opportunities.
