Celtics’ Derrick White Floated In Trade Pitch With Rockets

Under the right conditions, the Boston Celtics might have to consider a Derrick White trade.

Boston is not actively shopping White, but they are not dismissing calls either. Christopher L. Gasper of The Boston Globe floated the idea Wednesday as a calculated decision, not as a desire to break up the team’s core.

White is coming off a career-best season, starting 76 regular-season games and averaging 16.4 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds. With the Celtics facing salary crunches, Gasper noted his trade value might never be higher. He will be 32 by the time Boston is eyeing its next real championship window, and that timing could factor in.

That opens a path for a team to step up with a serious offer, and Gasper spotlighted the Houston Rockets as a plausible fit. Rockets coach Ime Udoka pushed for Boston to acquire White in 2022, and their ties stretch back to their time together with the San Antonio Spurs.

With Kevin Durant recently added to the mix, Houston has added urgency and the pieces to make a compelling offer. Gasper highlights names like Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, and Reed Sheppard that could headline a trade package.

The Rockets also have a logjam of centers after reuniting with Clint Capela and re-signing Steven Adams behind Alperen Şengün, which is another area of need for Boston. They also hold future draft capital, including multiple first-rounders in 2027 and 2029 and a valuable unprotected pick from the Phoenix Suns.

Gasper makes clear this is not a move to be made lightly. White is close with Jayson Tatum and remains a key piece of the Celtics’ two-way identity.

But if a team like Houston brings enough to the table, Boston may have to weigh short-term disruption against long-term gain.