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Celtics news & rumors: Derrick White a ‘really good fit’; buyout market buzz

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 11: Derrick White # of the Boston Celtics shoots the ball before a game against the Denver Nuggets at TD Garden on February 11, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 11: Derrick White # of the Boston Celtics shoots the ball before a game against the Denver Nuggets at TD Garden on February 11, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images) /
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The Boston Celtics didn’t shock the NBA world with a blockbuster deal the likes of the one the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets pulled off, but don’t underestimate the acquisition of Derrick White.

While the Ben Simmons, James Harden swap got all the buzz when the NBA Trade Deadline came and went, Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens was busy on the phone.  Some of the moves he made were underwhelming on paper but may have improved his team on the court as far as the players coming to Boston.

The Boston Celtics acquired the perfect fit in Derrick White

In trading Josh Richardson and Romeo Langford for White, the Celtics did raise some eyebrows with that move, but Stevens absolutely believes they are getting a better asset in return.  Especially on the defensive end.

"“We thought for years Derrick was a really good fit with our best players,” Stevens said on a Zoom call, via WEEI.  “He is an excellent defender.  He makes the right play on offense, over and over and over.  He’s a guy who only cares about winning, who will do all the little things as you see some of his stats defensively in regard to be willing putting his body on the line.  And on offense, just by making simple plays.  He doesn’t need to do anything to be on the highlights to really, really impact winning.  So we kind of identified him for a long time.”"

Averaging over 14.0 points a game with the San Antonio Spurs, White is not only a good defender who should fit nicely alongside Marcus Smart, he is also a playmaker who Celtics head coach Ime Udoka is very familiar with.

As far as his fit with the team.  Well, in his debut against the Denver Nuggets Friday night, he scored 15 points and pulled down 6 rebounds in 28 minutes.  He also had a key bucket in the final minutes of the team’s 108-102 victory.

Looking like a good move for Brad Stevens.

NBA rumors: Celtics will be players in the buyout market

Now that the NBA Trade Deadline is over, look for the Boston Celtics to become major players on the buyout market.

In trading for Derrick White and Daniel Theis, the Celtics do have three open spots on the roster and with some interesting players rumored as buyout candidates, Stevens should have an opportunity to add a player or two who could help the team in some key areas they didn’t address via trade.

One of those areas of need is more shooting.  The hope is that Payton Prichard and Aaron Nesmith get more opportunity but adding another veteran wing off the bench wouldn’t hurt.  An early look at some of those candidates include Gary Harris and Jeremy Lamb.

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If the team is looking to add more big man depth, intriguing names include Robin Lopez and Derrick Favors.  If more leadership is on the agenda, Paul Millsap could again be an interesting option.  However Stevens looks to explore the buyout market, expect the Celtics to be linked to several key players looking for a buyout.

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