Celtics Given Bold Derrick White Trade Prediction By The Ringer
The Boston Celtics have already undergone massive roster changes in the last few months. But according to The Ringer‘s Michael Pina, another seismic trade can’t be ruled out for Boston in 2025-26. In a piece entitled, “24 Increasingly Bold Predictions for the 2025-26 NBA Season”, published this week, Pina speculated (yes, quite boldly) that the Celtics could trade Derrick White.
“Let me start by saying it would be a crime if the Celtics actually dealt White and I don’t think they will or necessarily should,” Pina wrote. “White will still be only 32 years old when Jayson Tatum returns to form next season.”
“So why would the Celtics trade him? Even if they aren’t motivated to move on from White, they may find themselves talking to a team that makes an offer they can’t refuse. In a potential gap year, this could be a rare opportunity to get younger, add a substantial number of draft assets, and make the task of retooling around Tatum and Jaylen Brown (as they fill over 60 percent of Boston’s cap through 2029) a bit less arduous.”
Pina then proceeded to propose some potential landing spots — and accompanying return packages — for White.
“How many future firsts would White be worth in a world that’s recently seen Mikal Bridges go for five and Desmond Bane exchanged for four?” Pina wrote. “Would, say, the Grizzlies be willing to tack five first-rounders on to Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s contract? Or what if Udoka convinces Rafael Stone that Houston would be better off adding White to their current nucleus than blowing it up for a superstar? The Rockets could offer five firsts, a couple of pick swaps, Fred VanVleet, and Jae’Sean Tate.”
“What if the New Orleans Pelicans feel like they’re light on playmaking and decide to do something a normal team wouldn’t dare, like volunteer Trey Murphy III and a first-round pick?” Pina continued. “What if the Detroit Pistons are convinced they can make a Finals run sometime in the next two years but need more 3-point shooting and playoff experience. Are they willing to package Ausar Thompson with Caris LeVert’s contract?”
Pina’s trade explorations here were okay because he acknowledged that the Celtics should in no way part with White unless they are getting a beyond colossal package in return.
At the end of the day, White leaving Boston doesn’t seem at all likely, as Brad Stevens would (rightfully) only trade White for the type of package Pina is brainstorming (if Stevens were to even entertain that idea), which would also be too steep of a cost for prospective suitors.
If the Celtics are smart, they’ll make sure White retires in a Celtics uniform, and they’ll make him a priority over every guy on the roster not named Jayson Tatum.