What was supposed to be an exciting playoff run ended abruptly for the Boston Celtics, losing in the second round to the New York Knicks in six games. The disappointment of losing the series and failing to repeat went away once Jayson Tatum ruptured his achilles in Game 4, casting a gloomy summer ahead.
Not only that, but the Celtics are also deep into the second apron of the luxury tax. As it currently stands, the Celtics would have to pay $238 million in luxury tax for being repeat offenders. Keeping this core together with that bill is unattainable, and moves must be made or else the Celtics would face the consequences of being in the second apron.
With the Celtics' offseason underway and numerous moves expected to come, one Celtics star player’s job is expected to be safe going into next season.
Derrick White’s Job is Safe
In Marc Stein’s latest article, he reports that early indications suggest that the Celtics are more likely to trade Jrue Holiday than Derrick White. Even before this reporting, it seemed likely that the Celtics would trade Holiday, considering he’ll be 35 next season and has three years, $104 million left on his extension he signed last year.
Holiday’s play declined this season, missing games in both the regular season and playoffs as he’s battled through multiple injuries. With Payton Pritchard’s emergence as a key contributor, Holiday looks to be the odd man out.
Meanwhile, this news, hopefully, clears any speculation that the Celtics will trade White this offseason. His four-year, $118 million extension he signed last summer will kick in next year, and considering what his impact means to the Celtics, it's a good deal.
White’s value has grown every year he’s been on the Celtics, becoming a valuable player and fan favorite on a championship team. White, who'll turn 31 in July, had a great season with the Celtics, averaging a career-high 16.4 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds.
Once again, he turned his play up in the playoffs, averaging 18.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. Besides Tatum, White was the only player who was consistently contributing in the playoffs. His best game was in the Game 5 win versus the Knicks, where he had 34 points.
With an uncertain season ahead with no Tatum and roster changes looming, the Celtics will need White to help keep the Celtics afloat in a weak Eastern Conference.