Derrick White has been a name that Boston Celtics fans have seen in several reports concerning players that Brad Stevens and the front office may try to move via trade this summer.
At this time, no trades involving White seem imminent. However, his name, along with the likes of Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, and Jaylen Brown, continues to be bantered about by insiders and pundits across the league.
With the financial penalties facing the Celtics if they were to keep this roster intact, conventional wisdom suggests that the new ownership group would love to lower their tax bill if possible. The easiest way to do that is by trading one of the high-priced players on the roster, such as White. One Eastern Conference franchise could put together an interesting offer if it decides the veteran guard fits with its future timeline.
Celtics Make Controversial Derrick White Trade in Projected Pistons Deal
The Detroit Pistons ended their postseason drought during the 2024-25 campaign and look to be among the young and talented rosters that should challenge for spots in the Eastern Conference playoff race for years to come.
Given the salary cap hurdles the Celtics must overcome this summer, as well as the Achilles injury Jayson Tatum suffered during the Eastern Conference semifinals, Boston may not have the leverage it typically would when moving a player of the caliber of White. With that being said, they would still address a position of need in this deal by adding a physical big man in Isaiah Stewart, as well as future draft capital.
Regardless of which key rotation player Stevens and the Celtics' brain trust elect to ship out of Boston this summer, there will be plenty of negative reactions to the deal, as these players have become fan favorites for one reason or another since joining the franchise.
With the 2025 NBA Draft on the horizon, expect these trade rumors to only escalate in the coming weeks.