The Boston Celtics are undoubtedly set to shake up their roster this summer, with Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis being the most likely players on the move. Derrick White is one player who is surely valued around the league, but shouldn’t and won’t be moved. Michael Scotto of HoopsHype confirmed this in a recent report.
“Derrick White, who turns 31 in July, has always drawn interest from teams around the league. However, Boston has rebuffed previous inquiries to this point, and he’s still young enough to potentially be a difference-maker during the 2026-27 season when Tatum should be fully healthy.” Scotto wrote.
This might seem fairly obvious given White’s immense two-way value. Regardless, this report should be a relief to Celtics fans. Let’s dive into White’s impact and why it’s an easy call for the Celtics to keep him.
Celtics Set to Make Obvious Derrick White Decision
Keeping White is a No-Brainer
White is coming off a career season, averaging 16.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.1 blocks with 44.2/38.4/83.9 shooting splits. His three-point shooting, connective playmaking, and versatile defense make him an essential part of the Celtics’ core. White’s elite shooting and defense make him a perfect fit in Boston’s system. While the Celtics will have to shed salary, White shouldn’t be a trade candidate. Boston won’t be a title contender with Jayson Tatum out for at least the majority of next season. Regardless, in the 2026-27 season, they could make another title run if they retain their core.
Derrick White appreciation post
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— Tomek Kordylewski (@Timi_093) February 24, 2025
Tatum, White, Jaylen Brown, and Payton Pritchard are the clear keepers. The core of Tatum, Brown, and White is clearly at a championship level. Add in elite complementary players like Pritchard, and the path to the Celtics competing for a championship again is clear. But that all hinges on Boston retaining Brown and White, who have proven to be perfect fits next to Tatum.
Notably, White’s four-year $118 million contract is solid value. Sure, White would yield a nice return if the Celtics opted to trade him. However, these packages would likely be centered around young players and picks. The Celtics need proven players to return to contention in 2026-27, and keeping White is an essential part of that. Overall, you don’t trade a player who fits perfectly in your system and alongside your star.
Scotto Confirmed Well-Known Celtics Trade Rumors
While Scotto confirmed the Celtics have no interest in trading White, he noted the likelihood of Porziņģis, Holiday, and Hauser being moved.
“Several executives around the league believe Boston will explore the trade market for center Kristaps Porziņģis, who’s owed $30.73 million and an expiring contract after the 2025-26 season… Porzingis is viewed by executives around the league as Boston’s top trade candidate to trim salary for next season.”
“Celtics guard Jrue Holiday, who turns 35 later this month and is owed a combined $104.4 million over the next three years, including a player option for the 2027-28 season, has already been linked to trade interest from the Clippers and Mavericks.”
“Another trade candidate to keep an eye on in the eyes of NBA executives around the league is sharpshooter Sam Hauser.”
Given Porziņģis’ extensive injury history, poor play in the playoffs, and high salary, it’s clear why the Celtics would move off him. Nevertheless, it’s unclear what his value would be for those reasons. Interestingly, Scotto notes that Porziņģis is viewed as Boston’s top trade candidate, which is somewhat surprising due to his likely low value.
Holiday’s two-way impact and championship experience indicate he has the best value of these players. Teams having a known interest in Holiday is an encouraging sign. Out of Boston’s trade candidates, Holiday gives the Celtics the best chance to get some impactful players back. Moving off Hauser would be an easy way to save money, and his elite shooting will likely intrigue multiple teams. Hauser is expendable with Baylor Scheierman on the rise, and it would help the Celtics avoid some expensive tax penalties. Ultimately, Celtics fans can expect some key changes this offseason, but should be delighted that White will be back.
Featured image: © Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
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