The Boston Celtics are headlined by six-time All-Star Jayson Tatum and 2024 NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, but two-time All-Defensive second-teamer Derrick White has been crucial to their success. The 6-foot-4-inch, 190-pounder was third on the team in scoring in last year's playoffs (16.7 points per game) and this year's (18.8 points).
White was also fourth on the Celtics in scoring during the 2024-25 regular season, averaging career-highs in points (16.4) and rebounds (4.5). Additionally, the 30-year-old was second in assists (4.8) and blocks (1.1).
With that being said, Boston is in a tricky spot after getting upset by the New York Knicks in the second round. Tatum (Achilles) is out indefinitely, and Brown (meniscus) could also miss time. On top of that, the roster is projected to pass the league's second tax apron for the third straight season.
The Celtics could get under that threshold by trading core pieces such as White. However, they'll likely keep the 2017 first-round pick, via ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel.
Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) and forward Jayson Tatum (0).
Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) and forward Jayson Tatum (0).
Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
"League sources are insistent the Celtics have given zero indications that parting ways with Derrick White this summer is a possibility," he reported on Friday. "Boston views White as an essential core player alongside Tatum and Brown."
White has three more years on his contract before his player option in 2028-29. The Colorado alum counts for $28.1 million against the cap next season.
The Ringer's Logan Murdock reported that the Golden State Warriors were keeping an eye on White before the Celtics got eliminated on May 16, via The Zach Lowe Show.
"Another guy that I think you should look at for the Warriors going forward is Derrick White," he said. "A guy like that. I think that's something the Warriors are looking at right now because Boston's expected in league circles to have some sort of fire sale or some sort of maybe reset."
White has been with Boston since it acquired him from the San Antonio Spurs on Feb. 10, 2022.