The Atlanta Hawks have struck another deal in a move that seems set to be part of a larger shake-up. Just hours after trading Trae Young to the Washington Wizards, the Hawks sent guard Vit Krejci to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Duop Reath and two second-round picks.
Krejci, a 25-year-old Czech Republic native, initially joined the NBA as a 2020 second-round pick with the Washington Wizards. He later played for the Oklahoma City Thunder before being traded to the Hawks in 2022. Although he was waived by the team that same year, Krejci re-signed with Atlanta in 2023 and has since become a consistent contributor, averaging nearly nine points per game while shooting over 42 percent from beyond the arc.
However, with the emergence of Corey Kispert, who has seen significant playing time for the Hawks this season, Krejci's role has been diminished. The move seems to be an effort by Atlanta to further solidify its future without Young, and it could set the stage for a follow-up deal with the Blazers.
Kispert has already shown promise in his limited appearances for the Hawks, producing 9.6 points per game while shooting 44 percent from three-point range. The addition of Duop Reath, who is currently nursing an injury, adds depth to Atlanta's roster but leaves questions about the future of the big man.
With Young now gone and Krejci's role diminished, the Hawks are making a clear push for a more defined plan moving forward. It remains to be seen what other moves they have in store, but this latest deal seems like just one part of a larger strategy to establish their team as competitive contenders in the league.
Krejci, a 25-year-old Czech Republic native, initially joined the NBA as a 2020 second-round pick with the Washington Wizards. He later played for the Oklahoma City Thunder before being traded to the Hawks in 2022. Although he was waived by the team that same year, Krejci re-signed with Atlanta in 2023 and has since become a consistent contributor, averaging nearly nine points per game while shooting over 42 percent from beyond the arc.
However, with the emergence of Corey Kispert, who has seen significant playing time for the Hawks this season, Krejci's role has been diminished. The move seems to be an effort by Atlanta to further solidify its future without Young, and it could set the stage for a follow-up deal with the Blazers.
Kispert has already shown promise in his limited appearances for the Hawks, producing 9.6 points per game while shooting 44 percent from three-point range. The addition of Duop Reath, who is currently nursing an injury, adds depth to Atlanta's roster but leaves questions about the future of the big man.
With Young now gone and Krejci's role diminished, the Hawks are making a clear push for a more defined plan moving forward. It remains to be seen what other moves they have in store, but this latest deal seems like just one part of a larger strategy to establish their team as competitive contenders in the league.