Avdija to MEM 2.0 [updated to 3.0]

[esvl]

On January 15, 2026:

Avdija
Grant

for

Aldama (can be re-routed to 3d team for FRP and expiring)
GG Jacskon and/or Pippen (can be re-routed to 3d teams for FRP)
KCP
Konchar
1st 2026 via MEM
1st 2030 via MEM

Portland leverages Memphis’ obsession with Avdija by getting 2 4 unprotected 1sts , a 7’0 24 y/o PF whose skillset matches Clingan, a 20 y/o established SF, two servicable veterans, and geting rid off Grant’s contract.

Memphis gets a starting wing who can pass, score, and most importantly defend.

Thoughts?

[BK_2020]

Memphis 2016 FRP was Wade Baldwin so no, Portland respectfully declines.

[esvl]

Memphis 2016 FRP was Wade Baldwin so no, Portland respectfully declines.

Fixed. Thanks.

[JRoy]

Talent downgrade for non lotto picks. Pass for POR.

Would rather send Grant in a separate deal to avoiding diluting Denis value if the decision were made to move him.

[babyjax13]

I think Portland feels like it can push for the playoffs because of Deni. Offer is really reasonable, I just do not see them taking it.

[Malapropism]

I think Portland feels like it can push for the playoffs because of Deni. Offer is really reasonable, I just do not see them taking it.

Is it though? I don't think this is particularly close, particularly because of that contract. This is about what the Blazers paid for Deni, and I don't think they would want to take back that deal.

[hugepatsfan]

Many question why POR acquired Jrue Holiday and then made a pretty heavy offer to Dame considering his injury. Doing those things and then turning around and trading Avidja for picks after that would only make it more questionable. This just seems misaligned with the direction they're moving in.

[hugepatsfan]

I think Portland feels like it can push for the playoffs because of Deni. Offer is really reasonable, I just do not see them taking it.

Is it though? I don't think this is particularly close, particularly because of that contract. This is about what the Blazers paid for Deni, and I don't think they would want to take back that deal.

It's reasonable in the sense that I don't think Deni really did anything to elevate his standing last year. His year in POR was, largely, like his year in WAS. And one of those cheap contract years is off. So if POR were to trade him, I think about what they paid to get him is reasonable approximation of what value they could expect to receive. I get your point though - why would POR trade him for anything other than a massive offer far above what they paid, since they like him? From that standpoint I guess, them trading him for this isn't "reasonable".

But I think when most people say if an offer is reasonable not they go with the viewpoint of "if the team were willing to trade this player for fair market value, is this an offer that has a chance to be the best offer", From that standpoint, I do think this is a reasonable offer.

[redslastlaugh]

Portland adding Jrue (and now Dame) puts an end to any Deni trade discussions for this year, at least this year

On January 15, 2026:

Avdija
Grant

for

Aldama
GG Jacskon
KCP
Konchar
1st 2026 via MEM
1st 2030 via MEM

Portland leverages Memphis’ obsession with Avdija by getting 2 unprotected 1sts, a 7’0 24 y/o PF whose skillset matches Clingan, a 20 y/o established SF, two servicable veterans, and geting rid off Grant’s contract.

Memphis gets a starting wing who can pass, score, and most importantly defend.

Thoughts?

[Malapropism]

I think Portland feels like it can push for the playoffs because of Deni. Offer is really reasonable, I just do not see them taking it.

Is it though? I don't think this is particularly close, particularly because of that contract. This is about what the Blazers paid for Deni, and I don't think they would want to take back that deal.

It's reasonable in the sense that I don't think Deni really did anything to elevate his standing last year. His year in POR was, largely, like his year in WAS. And one of those cheap contract years is off. So if POR were to trade him, I think about what they paid to get him is reasonable approximation of what value they could expect to receive. I get your point though - why would POR trade him for anything other than a massive offer far above what they paid, since they like him? From that standpoint I guess, them trading him for this isn't "reasonable".

But I think when most people say if an offer is reasonable not they go with the viewpoint of "if the team were willing to trade this player for fair market value, is this an offer that has a chance to be the best offer", From that standpoint, I do think this is a reasonable offer.

I think he was meaningfully better than his year in Washington, but I follow the Blazers so we can chalk that up to bias. Also, it's one less less on that amazing contract so we can be be safe and call it a wash.

But the point is that contract is still 3 years and well below market rate and we've seen the true ramifications of the salary cap start to hit teams this year. I think, even IF the Blazers were willing to put Avdija on the market, that contract would make him uniquely attractive to a number of teams given his plus starter status, the position he plays, and his relative age. Even if the Grizzlies offer was fair in a vacuum, I think they'd simply be outbid unless the Blazers somehow love GG Jackson for some unknown reason. The Grizzlies would really have to bowl the Blazers over with an overpay-ish offer (think, Desmond Bane, ironically), to make them even consider it.

Also, I can already see the comments about them also dumping Grant in the same deal but ironically, I think if the Blazers do decide to move off of Avdija it would actually make it more likely that they'd want to keep Grant - particularly with the more recent moves, but I digress.

Either way, I don't think this is reasonable in the sense that Portland couldn't get more, or that Portland would consider it even if they could not get more based on their situation (which you and I agree with), so it's completely DOA, IMO.

[LightTheBeam]

This is really interesting. On first thought If I'm Portland I want to hold onto Advija. Getting to dump Grant in the process is nice, but eating KCP/Konchar deals offsets two years of that for worse players.

I think this comes down to thoughts on GG. If you think GG can build off his 1st year, then this feels great for Portland. GG/Camara/Aldama is a good start at the forward spots. Those extra picks allow them to make a big move in the future with Scoot.

[MasterIchiro]

If I'm Portland I appreciate and understand the calls on Deni but I'm not listening. He fits the modern NBA, and the Blazers pivoted out of their rebuild.

[JasonStern]

There is a negative % chance that Deni or Camara (and now Dame) get moved from the Blazers. And Ha 2.0 for Chinese marketing reasons.
But trading Grant for three day old grocery store sushi is certainly something the Blazers should consider if available.
The need to dump Grant got significantly less important when the Blazers made the Jrue trade. Having Grant off the books, then simply letting Ayton and Simons expire provided a ton of financial flexibility. But they opted out of that path for reasons never explained.

[jbk1234]

I think Portland feels like it can push for the playoffs because of Deni. Offer is really reasonable, I just do not see them taking it.

Is it though? I don't think this is particularly close, particularly because of that contract. This is about what the Blazers paid for Deni, and I don't think they would want to take back that deal.

It's reasonable in the sense that I don't think Deni really did anything to elevate his standing last year. His year in POR was, largely, like his year in WAS. And one of those cheap contract years is off. So if POR were to trade him, I think about what they paid to get him is reasonable approximation of what value they could expect to receive. I get your point though - why would POR trade him for anything other than a massive offer far above what they paid, since they like him? From that standpoint I guess, them trading him for this isn't "reasonable".

But I think when most people say if an offer is reasonable not they go with the viewpoint of "if the team were willing to trade this player for fair market value, is this an offer that has a chance to be the best offer", From that standpoint, I do think this is a reasonable offer.

He bumped his TS% up to 60% while having the highest FGAs and ppg of his career. Also, there was a lot more getting his own shot than in years past.

That was the 2nd year in a row he's shown real development on that front, he's on an uber cheap deal for two more seasons, and he's 24. He's the best the young player on Portland's roster by a significant margin. This isn't a situation where debate about the lower end of player's market value is all that relevant. He's not getting moved for that.

[BarbaGrizz]

The only asset I would not include in a Avidja trade is JJJ. Everything else is on the table for me.

[QMemphis]

The only asset I would not include in a Avidja trade is JJJ. Everything else is on the table for me.

Great player, most his value is in his versatility and contract. If Deni is your best player you aren’t winning too much but also not losing too much creating treadmill. Similar to Lauri.

Most I would offer would be Konchar/GG/4 1st. Not a bad deal by the OP as well.

[BigGargamel]

In a vacuum, this trade doesn't look bad. But Avdija is EASILY the best player in this deal. Portland just added Holiday and Lillard, they aren't going to turn around and subtract talent for middling draft picks.

[JJ_PR]

This is pretty bad for Portland. Grant is about neutral value, so adding him really doesn't really make the trade closer. The picks don't have much upside.

[Magic_Johnny12]

If Memphis thinks Avdija is the missing piece (similar to Bane to Orlando) I think you gladly overpay (which you’re going to have to do regardless because Deni is not available).

The question now lies if Deni is truly the missing piece…

Even though I personally think Deni is nearing over rated conversations, I still think the original proposal is not nearly enough for Portland to consider (who is clearly looking to compete sooner than later).

[QMemphis]

If Memphis thinks Avdija is the missing piece (similar to Bane to Orlando) I think you gladly overpay (which you’re going to have to do regardless because Deni is not available).

The question now lies if Deni is truly the missing piece…

Even though I personally think Deni is nearing over rated conversations, I still think the original proposal is not nearly enough for Portland to consider (who is clearly looking to compete sooner than later).

Prior to the Bane trade, Deni was a player I viewed as the final piece and wanted us to trade for last season. I spent weeks debating Wizards fans about his value and availability; but now with the reshaping of the Grizz roster I would prefer to go a different route. Young athletic wings and 3&D wings make the most sense for what we are looking to become.