With the NBA offseason underway, teams are looking to find ways to improve their rosters. Boston Celtics guard Derrick White has popped up in rumors, with the Minnesota Timberwolves showing strong interest in him, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic.
"Also, league sources say the Minnesota Timberwolves — whose pursuit of Antetokounmpo also appears to have cooled — have strong interest in the Celtics’ Derrick White," Amick wrote.
Boston has been frequent in trade rumors as of late, with them being one of the top teams that could land Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Since arriving in Boston, White has been a valuable member of the Celtics given his ability to make winning plays and his durability. If Boston were to look to move on, though, this may be the team's best time to do so.
Derrick White is coming off of a down year
When looking at his time in Boston, this was easily the worst season in green for White. While he played the most games (77) and averaged the most points (16.5), it came at the cost of his efficiency. His shooting percentages dropped considerably, only shooting 39.4% from the field and 32.7% from three. That field goal percent was the worst of his career, while his three-point percentage was his second lowest, only behind his 31.2% in the 2021-2022 season.
In the playoffs, things only got worse for White. During the seven games against the Philadelphia 76ers, White put up a measly 11.1 points while shooting 32.1% from the field and 27.3% from three.
Currently, the Colorado native is under contract for two more seasons, with a player option in the 2028-29 NBA season. White will be 32 next season and will only get more expensive throughout his contract. Given his dip in play and contract, if Boston can improve the long-term outlook of the team by trading White, they have to consider it.
Celtics could fix their center problems with Derrick White trade
Looking at the Timberwolves roster, a couple of names stand out, all in the frontcourt. The least likely of the bunch would be Jaden McDaniels, as he fits the timeline for the Timberwolves' star, Anthony Edwards. Of the remaining three, the best target amongst them would be Naz Reid.
Adding Reid would improve the Celtics' frontcourt and give them a scoring threat at the center position. Reid's ability to stretch the defense out (shot 36,2% from three last season) would be a useful tool for their offense, allowing Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to attack the rim more frequently.
On the defensive side, Reid does have some concerns; only being 6'9 for a center is small, and not being a strong defender, I still think he'd be the best return player you'd get from Minnesota.
The other two players you could get are power forward Julius Randle and center Rudy Gobert. Regarding Randle, trading away White for him would be a mistake given the forward's history of his play dropping in big moments and his contract being more expensive than White's. Looking at Gobert, I don't think it would be the worst option for the Celtics.
Offensively, Gobert is very limited, which may turn fans off, but his defense helps make up for it. The four-time Defensive Player of the Year is one of the best defensive centers currently in the league, and his play was a huge reason for the Timberwolves' upset win over the Denver Nuggets in the first round.
Boston struggled defending the interior in the playoffs, and Gobert would help anchor the defense. While I wouldn't do a one-for-one swap between Gobert and White, I could be talked into making that move if more were involved.
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