The Celtics' second-round loss to the Knicks was unexpected. Not only did they lose the chance to repeat, but they also lost Jayson Tatum to a ruptured Achilles, which will presumably force him to miss most, if not all, of the upcoming season.
Tatum’s loss, their early exit, and financial situation have cast a dark shadow over the team’s future, which continues to be mentioned daily in NBA discourse. Trade interest and rumors have swirled around the team, with Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis seemingly being the two players the Celtics are offering.
This latest report, however, indicates the Celtics are willing to listen to other offers that include their other two starters.
Teams Calling Celtics About Jaylen Brown and Derrick White
Shams Charania of ESPN reported on the Pat McAfee Show that although the Celtics prefer not to trade them, they will listen to calls on Jaylen Brown and Derrick White. This report shouldn’t be shocking considering all teams know that the Celtics are deep into the second apron and will be active in the trade market.
The Celtics are willing to listen to trade offers for Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, per @ShamsCharania
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 11, 2025
“Are teams making big offers and calling about Jaylen Brown and Derrick White? One hundred percent. The Celtics prefer not to trade them, from my understanding, but listen,… pic.twitter.com/m6RUXnWv0B
No question, Jaylen Brown and Derrick White are the Celtics’ two best players heading into next season and are both phenomenal players. But there is no chance that the two can lead the Celtics deep into the playoffs next season without Tatum.
Tatum is the face of the Celtics, and they’ll make moves this offseason surrounding Tatum, whether he appears on the court late next season or at the start of the 2026-2027 season. If a team offers a track package for either Brown or White that’s in favor of the Celtics, they’ll take the deal, no question.
The question should be, what would the Celtics have to receive to trade either of them away or what team would trade for them? Both Brown and White require at least two starters in return, an expiring contract or filler contract, and a first-round pick.
Few teams have the resources to offer the Celtics a package like this, and even fewer are willing to give it up. It’s hard to believe that the Celtics would get matching value in return, considering their leverage is low amidst their current cap situations.
While the Warriors have been linked to White and the Spurs to Brown, I find it hard to believe that any of these teams would want to be a part of this trade. Unless they get a ridiculous package, I think the Celtics should steer away from trade talk involving Brown and White, as the two are both in their primes and have a lot of basketball left to play.