Hawks swap Vit Krejčí for Duop Reath and draft picks, clearing roster space and fueling future flexibility.
The Atlanta Hawks have been an active team during this NBA trade deadline season. Atlanta has made the biggest trade of the season so far by sending Trae Young to the Washington Wizards, and on Sunday, the Hawks made another notable move.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Hawks are sending guard Vit Krejčí to the Portland Trail Blazers in return for Duop Reath and two future second-round draft picks. While the deal does not carry the star power of Atlanta’s earlier move, it adds another layer of clarity to how the front office is approaching the remainder of the season and beyond.
Krejčí has appeared in 46 games this season, including eight starts, carving out a consistent role in Atlanta’s rotation. He is averaging 9.0 points per game while shooting 42% three-point shooting. Krejčí attempts 5.2 three-pointers per game and is converting an average of 2.2 makes from deep each night, providing reliable floor spacing whenever he’s on the court.
That 9.0-point scoring average represents a career high for Krejčí, who is currently in his fifth NBA season. Four of those seasons have come with the Hawks, where he developed from a deep-bench option into a trusted role player. His growth as a shooter and willingness to play within his role made him a steady presence, particularly during stretches when Atlanta needed energy and ball movement.
So what does this trade mean for Atlanta’s roster moving forward?
From a roster-construction standpoint, the move gives the Hawks added flexibility. By acquiring two future second-round picks, Atlanta now controls seven second-rounders, giving the front office additional assets to work with as the deadline approaches. Whether those picks are used to facilitate another trade or held for future maneuvering, they provide optionality at a time when the Hawks appear committed to reshaping the roster.
The deal also reflects the approach of new general manager Onsi Saleh, who has shown little hesitation in moving players if it aligns with the organization’s long-term vision. The Trae Young trade set the tone, and while Krejčí was not a core piece, he had become a fan favorite due to his energy, effort, and professionalism.
In return, Atlanta receives Reath, a 6-foot-9 center from South Sudan. Reath has appeared in 32 games this season and is averaging 2.9 points per game in 2025. He owns a career field-goal percentage of 45%. However, Reath is expected to miss the remainder of the season and is set to become a free agent, making it likely that his inclusion serves more as a financial and roster-balancing component of the deal.
Ultimately, Krejčí leaves Atlanta as a solid role player whose primary value came from his shooting. While he did not offer much beyond perimeter scoring, he was highly effective when left open and fit seamlessly into lineups that needed spacing.
With the NBA trade deadline set for February 5, 2026, the Hawks remain a team to watch closely. Whether Atlanta makes another modest move like this one or pulls off a more impactful deal, the front office has made it clear that no option is off the table as the organization evaluates the final two months of the season.