The Portland Trail Blazers may not have made a blockbuster move, but their trade for Vit Krejci is already generating plenty of buzz-and for good reason. In a deal that sent Duop Reath and two second-round picks to the Atlanta Hawks, the Blazers addressed one of their most glaring weaknesses: perimeter shooting. And they did it without giving up much of anything from their current rotation.
Let’s start with what Krejci brings to the table. The 6-foot-8 guard has quietly been one of the more efficient three-point shooters in the league this season, hitting 42% from deep.
That’s not a fluke-it’s consistent with his performance throughout his time in Atlanta. Portland, meanwhile, ranks third in the league in three-point attempts but dead last in percentage.
They’ve got no issue letting it fly, but connecting has been a different story. Krejci doesn’t just give them another body on the wing-he gives them a legitimate floor-spacer who fits the system and fills an immediate need.
From a contract standpoint, this is about as team-friendly as it gets. Krejci is signed through the 2027-28 season at the league minimum, with no guaranteed money beyond this year.
That kind of flexibility matters, especially for a Blazers team that may be looking to shed salary ahead of the deadline and potentially renegotiate a long-term deal with Deni Avdija. In that context, Krejci isn’t just a short-term solution-he’s a low-risk, high-upside piece who fits into both the present and future plans.
What’s more, Krejci’s impact goes beyond just shooting. He’s a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions, and he’s shown flashes of being a connective passer-someone who keeps the ball moving and makes smart decisions within the flow of the offense.
While he’s not likely to start, he’s proven he can step up when called upon. In four games this season where he’s scored 20 or more, he’s shot a scorching 71% from three on 38 attempts.
That’s not just hot-that’s microwave mode.
So why would Atlanta move on from him? That’s where things get murky.
Reath, the player they received in return, is out for the season with a stress fracture. He’s 29, on an expiring contract, and unlikely to factor into Atlanta’s long-term plans.
The real return here was the pair of second-round picks, and maybe some roster flexibility. With three inactive players currently taking up spots on the 14-man roster, the Hawks could be setting the table for more moves-whether at the deadline or in the buyout market.
Still, it’s a head-scratcher for a team that’s struggled with shooting and just gave up one of their better marksmen. Even some Hawks fans were left scratching their heads, wondering why the team didn’t get more in return for a player who’s been quietly impactful in several of their wins this season.
On the flip side, Blazers fans were quick to embrace the move. With Reath buried on the depth chart and the team desperate for shooting, Krejci feels like a perfect fit. His ability to stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and play within the team’s unselfish offensive style makes him an ideal addition-especially at the price point.
This isn’t a trade that’s going to shift the balance of power in the Western Conference, but it’s the kind of smart, strategic move that good front offices make. Portland didn’t mortgage the future.
They didn’t overreach. They saw a need, found a player who fits, and got him on a bargain deal.
If Krejci continues to shoot the way he has-and there’s no reason to think he won’t-he could end up being one of the better value additions of the season. And for a Blazers team still building toward a sustainable future, that’s a win worth celebrating.