One key achievement for any franchise is securing the future of the team’s top talents with enticing deals. During the 2023 offseason, NBA franchises have actively pursued this goal. Players such as Jaylen Brown, Anthony Davis, Domantas Sabonis, Josh Hart, and more have all inked lucrative contract extensions, entailing substantial pay increases.
As teams finalize their preparations for the upcoming season, they aim to ensure that all players are in the right mindset. Consequently, Adrian Wojnarowski has made two announcements regarding contract extension deals involving Deni Avdija and Zach Collins.
Deni Avdija signs a 4-year, $55 million extension with Wizards
Deni Avdija, the Washington Wizards‘ promising forward, secured his future in the NBA by signing a lucrative four-year contract extension worth $55 million, according to his agents Doug Neustadt and Matan Siman-Tov. The agreement reached just before the 2023 trade deadline for the 2020 NBA draft class, shows the team’s confidence in his potential.
The ninth overall pick who is a 22-year-old has made significant progress in his career. He has now transitioned into the role of a starting small forward. For this season, he is expected to take on an expanded two-way role for the Wizards. His statistics from the previous season highlight his versatility, with averages of 9.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 0.9 steals over 76 games.
Notably, he doubled his double-double count from the previous two seasons, amassing 11 in the last campaign. Furthermore, his remarkable feat of playing in all 82 games in 2021-22 season placed him among the selected few. With dual citizenship in Israel and Serbia, Deni Avdija‘s journey from Maccabi Tel Aviv to the NBA has culminated in this significant contract extension, solidifying his presence as a key player for the Washington Wizards.
Spurs’ Zach Collins agrees to a 2-year, $35 million extension
Zach Collins of the Antonio Spurs has agreed to a two-year contract extension worth $35 million from the team, reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. It was expected that Collins would leave the team after the 2023-24 season to become a free agent. Now he will continue playing with the team for another 2 years.
Collins has showcased his skills despite dealing with injuries for a significant part of his career. He maintains an impressive average of 17.6 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per 36 minutes, all while sustaining a solid shooting percentage. This contract extension signifies the Spurs’ confidence in Collins and his compatibility with top pick Victor Wembanyama. Together, these two players have the potential to form a dynamic inside-outside duo, with Collins contributing to floor spacing.
His ability to be a physical enforcer complements Wembanyama’s skills, creating an intriguing partnership. While the contract’s terms might raise questions, it aligns with the evolving NBA salary landscape. The next three seasons will serve as a period for the Spurs to assess Collins’s long-term role within the team, potentially securing his place in their future plans.
