The Celtics are set to overhaul their roster this summer, though it remains to be seen which contracts they offload to other teams. The team is too expensive to keep intact, plus with Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury, they won’t be in title contention next season.
Names have already floated around, whether it’s guys like Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, Sam Hauser or someone else. Derrick White is also a trade possibility considering his value, contract and other factors. But Boston has “rebuffed previous inquiries” for White, who’s been a formidable part of the core for years now, per HoopHype’s Michael Scotto.
White has popped up in trade rumors with teams like the Warriors wanting his services. He’s signed for the next four seasons, including a player option for the 2028-29 season. White turns 31 next month, so he fits the Celtics’ timeline beyond just next year.
Trading a guy like Porzingis or Holiday could prove to be difficult due to salary numbers and other factors. Porzingis has one year left on his deal as his availability issues again popped up throughout last season. Holiday can still turn it up for the playoffs, but he’s 35 next week with three years left on his contract, so his trade value is tricky.
So, on the flip side, White’s trade value is likely one of the highest on the team. There’s good reason for that as his two-way play is valuable and he’s one of the best role players on the team. As seen throughout the playoffs, White can also elevate his game to impressive heights, which contenders will naturally covet as a trade target.
For now, it sounds like the Celtics haven’t fielded too many calls about trading White. However, the unpredictability of the NBA trade circuit is part of the league’s draw. The C’s will need to make some deals this summer to cut the payroll, so who they move will be the big question mark in the coming weeks.
Elsewhere around the NBA, it’s expected to be a busy summer with plenty of player movement. Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the big dominoes as his time with the Bucks feels numbered due to the state of the roster. So it should be a busy offseason when it comes to the trade market.
