Without a doubt, the Boston Celtics ended the 2024-2025 season disappointingly, losing to the New York Knicks in the second round. Failing to repeat is one thing, but knowing this was the last time this core would suit up together is another.
Without Jayson Tatum, who’ll most likely miss most of the upcoming season, Brad Stevens and the front office will have to make some tough decisions. Because of the constraints of the second apron and the Celtics’ current financial situation, the team must move on from some of its best players.
Given that this upcoming season is a lost cause without Tatum, the Celtics should use next season as a bridge year, trading players away to get under the luxury tax and get some assets in return. One Celtic player is already generating buzz in trade rumors, and if the Celtics make him available, they could receive a big return for him.
Derrick White Traded to Golden State Warriors in Surprise Projected Deal
In a projected trade, the Boston Celtics would send Derrick White to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, Brandin Podziemski, and the Warriors' 2026 and 2028 first-round picks.
This would be an appalling move for the Celtics to make, but considering they must make moves, this would be one of the few trades they could get valuable assets in return. Not only would they get two young contributors in Moody and Podziemski, but they would also get two first-round picks that they could either use or end up flipping.
Podziemski, 21, has two years left on his rookie contract and has been beneficial to the Warriors' success this season. Podziemski finished this season averaging 11.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, shooting 37.2% from three. Inserting his instant offense and playmaking ability to the Celtics would provide a huge upgrade in Tatum’s absence, using this opportunity to develop his game.
Moody, 22, is coming off his best season, averaging 9.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists, shooting 37.4% from three in 22.3 minutes of play. Every year, he’s gotten better and showcased his 3-and-D ability. With the Celtics, Moody would be tasked with providing points off the bench, something the team struggled with last year, averaging 30.4 points off the bench.
Hield, 32, is coming off a solid season, averaging 11.1 points, shooting 37% from three. Hield is a 39.7% career three-point shooter and would be a perfect fit in Joe Mazzulla’s offense. His contract is also team-friendly and could be used to acquire someone else.
Trading Derrick White would be shocking, considering his importance to the team and how beloved he is by the fans. But besides Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, White is the only Celtic that the team can trade and get a big package in return.
While getting these assets would be great, White is by far a better player than all three. What he provides for the Celtics is irreplaceable, and I’m not sure this trade would fill his void. It’ll be tough to say goodbye to White or whoever ends up getting traded by the Celtics, but unfortunately, moves must be made.