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How Deni Avdija’s Blazers heroics just gave Bulls a 1st-round pick
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- How Deni Avdija’s Blazers heroics just gave Bulls a 1st-round pick
How Deni Avdija's Blazers heroics just gave Bulls a 1st-round pick appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Chicago Bulls added an unexpected asset to their future on Tuesday without even lifting a finger.
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They have Deni Avdija of the Portland Trail Blazers to thank.
Avdija led the Trail Blazers over the Phoenix Suns, 114-110 , in the Play-In Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center to qualify for the playoffs as the seventh seed.
Avdija tallied a game-high 41 points on 15-of-22 shooting, seven rebounds, 12 assists, and two blocks, proving yet again that he deserved his first selection to the All-Star Game this season.
With the Trail Blazers entering the playoffs, the Bulls are finally getting Portland's conditional first-round pick in the upcoming draft. It is part of the three-team deal of the Bulls, the Trail Blazers, and the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2021.
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Chicago sent Lauri Markkanen to Cleveland and received Derrick Jones Jr. , a protected first-round pick from Portland, and a future second-round pick from the Cavaliers. The Trail Blazers received Larry Nance Jr. from Cleveland.
With a talent-laden draft class, getting another first-round pick is huge for the Bulls, giving the franchise a timely boost as it navigates a critical offseason after another mediocre campaign.
It took a few years before the protection for the Trail Blazers' first-round pick was lifted, as they broke their four-season drought in the playoffs. They will face the San Antonio Spurs in the first round .
While going up against Victor Wembanyama does not seem like a reward, especially with history not on Portland's side , Avdija and company will try to continue their inspired run.
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If not, at least the Trail Blazers gave the Bulls a reward.
Related: Coby White's 3rd quarter buzzer-beater in Hornets-Heat has fans feeling bad for Bulls
