The Boston Celtics have one of the deepest and most talented rosters in the NBA. They are favorites to win a second consecutive title. Per FanDuel Sportsbook, they are +200 to win the championship, with the second-best team, the OKC Thunder, trailing them at +400.
There is no clear need for upgrades for the Celtics. Therefore, GM Brad Stevens will not be in any rush to make deals at the February 6 trade deadline. One thing the front office could pursue, however, is to try to save money.
The Celtics are the third-most expensive team in the league this season and will have the largest payroll next season. They are in the second apron with the new CBA and will have to reduce their payroll at some point in the next two seasons to avoid excessive tax bills and fines.
As a result, we see mock trade proposals that allow the Celtics to do that. The latest one by Colin Keane of The Sporting News, however, would be a massive mistake. In the projected trade, the Celtics move Derrick White to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, and Kevon Looney.
On paper, this can be seen as a great return for White. Podziemski and Kuminga are very good young players with high upsides. Kuminga is an incredible athlete with solid two-way ability. Podziemski has shown intriguing playmaking skills and has a chance to be a starter-caliber guard for a long time. Looney is a proven winner who is a beast on the boards and in the paint.
Plus, the Celtics would get cheaper, at least for this season. This would be negated immediately by the fact that Boston would have to give a contract extension to Kuminga.
Because of the fact that White is at best, the third-best player on the Celtics, his value to the team may be underrated. There simply aren't too many guards who can defend four positions, protect the rim, and hit 3.6 threes per game on nearly 40% shooting from downtown. He is a near All-Star level player with an All-Defense impact. Giving him up for minor financial savings and unproven young players is a disastrous idea.
