Celtics Fan-Favorite Pinpointed As Boston’s Most Tradable Asset

After years of contending near the top of the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics are navigating a retooling season. Brad Stevens parted with Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday and Luke Kornet over the summer. The need to avoid the second luxury-tax apron likely drove those decisions.

Of course, Jayson Tatum’s long-term absence due to an Achilles injury also played a significant role in Stevens’ decision to overhaul a roster that won a championship in 2024. Nevertheless, those moves have altered Boston’s short-term outlook so significantly that they’re now considered “sellers” in the trade market.

With that in mind, Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale has listed Boston’s top three trade assets. Fan-favorite guard Derrick White tops that list.

“White is the line of demarcation. At 31, he’s best suited on an immediate contender,” Favale wrote. “The Celtics could probably get at least three first-rounders if they’re willing to move him.”

White, 31, is in the first year of a four-year $118 million deal. However, he could be past his prime by the time the Celtics are in a position to contend for another championship. Therefore, Favale’s train of thought makes sense; flipping him now would ensure the Celtics maximize their return for the do-it-all guard.

This season, White has assumed a larger role, which he’s struggled with over the opening eight games of the campaign. He’s currently averaging 14.4 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.3 assists on 31% shooting from the field and 26.3% from three-point range.

Tatum likely would need to sign off on any trade involving White. After all, he will want to ensure the Celtics are capable of contending as he enters his prime years. Given White’ importance to Mazzulla’s rotation in recent years, it’s unlikely Tatum will want to see such a key player move on.

Nevertheless, Stevens must strike a balance, and if an offer is too good to refuse, White could become the next casualty of the NBA’s new second apron and its impact on the Celtics’ roster construction.