Celtics Consider Trading Derrick White Amid Roster Restructuring
By Conor Ryan, May 20, 2025
As the Boston Celtics head into the offseason, the team faces the challenge of shedding salary to avoid the NBA’s luxury tax. Key players, including Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, are prime candidates for trade. Both contributed significantly to the Celtics’ championship run in 2024, but their high salaries and concerns over age and health make them likely trade assets.
Holiday, 34, carries a hefty $32.4 million contract for the 2025-26 season, while Porzingis’ $30.7 million salary, coupled with questions about his fitness, makes him a potential tradeable player as well. The Celtics must navigate these decisions carefully, especially with Jayson Tatum anticipated to miss significant time due to a ruptured Achilles tendon.
In this context, Derrick White emerges as an attractive trade candidate. At 30 years old, White’s solid defensive capabilities and 3-point shooting make him appealing to potential suitors. He has four years remaining on his contract, valued at $28.1 million next season, which could entice teams looking for a reliable guard.
The Golden State Warriors have reportedly shown interest in acquiring White. According to former Warriors insider Logan Murdock, his defensive skills and ability to stabilize a young team have caught the attention of the franchise.
Despite the possibility of a favorable return from trading White, sources indicate that the Celtics may prioritize moving Holiday and Porzingis first. Insider Marc Stein stated that Boston might be more inclined to part with Holiday and view Porzingis as the most movable veteran due to his contract status.
As the Celtics weigh their options, the direction they choose could significantly impact their roster dynamics as they prepare for the upcoming season.
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