Blazers Find Steal in Krejci Trade Despite Slow Start

Portland's acquisition of sharpshooter Vit Krejci has yet to pay dividends, but the long-term value remains.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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The Portland Trail Blazers have struggled with three-point shooting during their rebuild, so they made a strategic move at the trade deadline to acquire Vit Krejci from the Atlanta Hawks. Krejci, known as the "Heat Czech" for his strong three-point shooting, has yet to find his stroke in Portland, but the team believes the 25-year-old still represents a long-term value play on an affordable contract.

Why it matters

The Blazers have been one of the NBA's worst three-point shooting teams in recent years, so adding a proven marksman like Krejci was seen as a way to address that weakness. While his slow start has been disappointing, the team is banking on Krejci finding his rhythm and becoming a valuable floor-spacing complement to their young core.

The details

Krejci has hovered around a 40% three-point shooter throughout his career, but he's struggled to find that touch since joining the Blazers. The team remains confident that he'll rediscover his shooting stroke and provide the long-range threat they've been lacking.

  • Krejci was acquired by the Blazers at the 2026 NBA trade deadline.

The players

Vit Krejci

A 25-year-old sharpshooter acquired by the Portland Trail Blazers at the 2026 trade deadline.

Joe Cronin

The general manager of the Portland Trail Blazers who made the trade to acquire Vit Krejci.

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What they’re saying

“Krejci fits Portland's rebuilding timeline at 25 years old and is on an incredibly team-friendly deal that includes a $3 million team option in 2027-28.”

— FanSided (chatsports.com)

The takeaway

While Krejci's slow start in Portland has been disappointing, the team's long-term investment in the sharpshooting 25-year-old could still pay dividends as they continue to rebuild their roster around a young core.