Vit Krejci isn't the best player acquired at the trade deadline. But in terms of impact on a roster, there may have been no better addition, especially when considering the value the Portland Trail Blazers received in their deal with the Atlanta Hawks.
The Blazers shipped an injured Duop Reath (who has already been waived by Atlanta) and two future second-round picks in exchange for one of the most reliable floor spacers in the league.
This season, Krejci is averaging 8.9 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game on 46/42/75 shooting splits. While that impact as a role player can easily be overlooked, his importance can't be overstated for a Blazers team in dire need of shooting.
Blazers boost playoff chances with Vit Krejci trade
Portland has been one of the worst three-point shooting teams for three consecutive years now. That issue is compounded by their playstyle as a team that likes to launch in transition, ranking top five in three-point attempts.
Krejci won't solve all their problems, but he'll certainly help as someone who ranks in the top 20 in the league in three-point efficiency. That seems more than worth a few second-round picks that don't really matter in the scheme of things, especially given how many players return to college with the NIL deals these days.
That decision looks even better considering Krejci is just 25 years old and on a team-friendly deal, with a $3 million team option in 2027-28. Blazers general manager Joe Cronin has a tendency to land players on these long-term deals, like Deni Avdija, Jrue Holiday, and, most recently, Krejci. Given how much of a steal Avdija and Krejci were, it's even more surprising that they decided to take on Holiday's deal. But Cronin still deserves credit as Portland is able to take on these big contracts for limited assets because of their other team-friendly deals.
If Krejci landed with any other team, it would be hard to make a case for him as the biggest steal of the deadline. But given the Blazers' roster flaws and where they are in their rebuild, this is the most impactful acquisition relative to cost.
Krejci could be the difference-maker between the Blazers making the postseason or missing for a fifth consecutive year. And for just two measly second-round picks, that significant of a swing is the definition of a steal.