The Boston Celtics have some decisions to make this offseason, most notably how they will get under the NBA's second tax apron. Staying above it for multiple years has significant ramifications, so the Celtics will likely cut costs to avoid them.
That could mean a player or two on their roster could be on a new team this summer. One candidate is Derrick White, who was recently linked to the Golden State Warriors (via Logan Murdock on The Zach Lowe Show). White's contract is expensive, and he'd get a haul back, but the Celtics may want to keep him in Boston if at all possible.
Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) and Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11)
Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) and Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11)
© Rob Gray-Imagn Images
White's development since joining the Celtics has been nothing short of miraculous. While he didn't start great for the Celtics, he has become one of the NBA's best two-way guards, providing elite defense, excellent floor spacing, and impressive shot creation.
White may not be a Celtic next year, but he achieved something no other player had previously done during the 2024-25 season. StatMuse revealed that on Tuesday. Among White's various impressive accolades this season, he was the first player in NBA history to have more than 250 three-pointers and 80 blocks in one season.
Since White joined the Celtics, they've made three Eastern Conference Finals, two NBA Finals, and one NBA championship. White himself has made two All-Defense teams in 2023 and 2024.
Boston will probably look to trade one or both of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis before they consider trading White. White is younger than Holiday and has proven he can stay on the floor more consistently than Porzingis.