The Boston Celtics weren't able to capture back-to-back championships after getting sent home in the second round by the New York Knicks.
Boston's roster as we know it may not be the same for the 2025-26 season. Before even adding a 14th and potentially 15th player to the roster, Boston's payroll is projected to be around $493 million. Considering Jayson Tatum will likely be done for next season due to a torn Achilles, Boston needs to find a way to build for the future while being competitive when next season rolls around.
Boston may have to move off key players, and the latest report suggests that Derrick White or Jaylen Brown could fetch huge returns.
During an appearance on "Arbella Early Edition," Kevin O'Connor was asked about what a return for either guy would look like, and he didn't hold back.
He said, "I think it's massive...if you're the Celtics, I think you at least have to listen."
Kevin O’Connor Thinks the Return on a Derrick White or Jaylen Brown Trade Would Be Huge
While Celtics fans may not want to talk about this, it will be a real discussion over the next couple of weeks. There's no way they could bring back everyone, so someone will have to get cut loose. Whether or not that will be White or Brown remains to be seen.
Brown was the third overall pick by Boston in the 2016 NBA draft and has spent his entire nine-year career with them. He owns career averages of 19 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and one steal per game. He's a four-time All-Star, an NBA Champion, and an NBA Finals MVP.
As for White, he was acquired by Boston in 2022. Since stepping foot in the building, he immediately became the ideal role player. He plays feisty defense, can thrive off the ball, and can handle the rock when needed. Over four seasons with the Celtics, he logged 14.2 points, four rebounds, 4.5 assists, and made 38% of his 3-pointers. White has also made the All-Defensive Second Team twice (2023, 2024).
If either guy is really up for grabs, I agree with O'Connor that the return would be huge. It would give Boston an outlet to offload some serious cash while getting potential draft capital on top of some lower-cost role players.
The Celtics may need to start thinking ahead to the 2026-27 season when Tatum will be back full strength before thinking they can be a serious title contender again.
Who knows if moving on from White or Brown is in their plans, but if they are, multiple suitors will be willing to give up some valuable assets.