The Boston Celtics have already shed significant payroll this summer by trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. With the club now below the NBA’s second apron, any team interested in a Derrick White trade will have to pay a steep asking price.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Celtics reportedly told at least one team that it would have required a “Mikal Bridges-type” package in order to trade Derrick White this summer. At that asking price, there have reportedly been no serious discussions about moving either White or Jaylen Brown in recent days.
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In July 2024, the New York Knicks acquired Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for five first-round picks and a future first-round pick swap. Of the first-round picks traded to Brooklyn, four were unprotected future firsts.
Part of what made Bridges so valuable is his contract. He carried just a $23.3 million cap hit this past season and has a $24.9 million cap hit next season. While White is under team control through 2028, he’s heading into his age-31 season and carries a $34.844 million player option for his age-34 campaign.
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Derrick White contract (Spotrac): $28.1 million cap hit (2025-’26), $30.348 million cap hit (2026-’27), $32.596 million cap hit (2027-’28), $34.844 million player option for 2028-’29 season
Evidently, no team is willing to meet the Celtics’ asking price for White. If that’s the case for the veteran guard, the acquisition cost for Brown would be even higher. As of now, Boston isn’t expected to trade either player17.
NFL, MLB & college football writer for Sportsnaut. Graduated from San Diego State University with BA in Journalism, 2019. ... More about Matt Johnson