NBA Insider Reveals Why Celtics Are Unlikely to Trade Derrick White originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Boston Celtics will have the most expensive roster in the NBA next season if they don’t make any trades this offseason.
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To make matters tougher, Jayson Tatum could miss all of next season recovering from his right Achilles tendon tear.
The Celtics are widely expected to shake up their core this offseason, but NBA insider Michael Scotto of HoopsHype doesn’t think Derrick White to be traded.
“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.
White will make $28.1 million next season. He signed a four-year, $118 million extension with the Celtics in July 2024.
Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9)© David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
White averaged 16.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.1 blocks for the Celtics this season in 76 games while shooting 44.2% from the field, 38.4% from beyond the arc and 83.9% from the free-throw line.
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Boston lost to the New York Knicks in the conference semifinals in six games.
A Colorado native, White began his career with the San Antonio Spurs. He was traded to the Celtics in February 2022 and helped the franchise win the 2024 championship against the Dallas Mavericks in five games.
White may not be traded by Boston this offseason, but NBA executives do think the Celtics have to make a trade or two.
“Boston needs to get off two big salaries at least, or they’ll have massive tax implications,” an NBA executive told HoopsHype. “Tatum’s injury lets them use next year as a gap year to audition other players or young guys.”
Related: NBA Execs Expect Celtics to Make Blockbuster Trade This Offseason
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 4, 2025, where it first appeared.