The Celtics are clearly open to trades as they prepare for a season that might not include Jason Tatum. However, the willingness to trade varies among players.
After sending Jrue Holiday to the Trail Blazers along with Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks, the Boston roster is still in flux. They also completed a deal that brought Kristaps Porzingis from the Hawks.
There are indications that other teams have taken interest in both Jaylen Brown and Derrick White. According to Jake Fischer from Steinlein, the Celtics indicated that if a deal for White were to happen, it would require a substantial return. This mirrors the package the Nets received from the Knicks for Mikal Bridges.
The recent offseason trades have included quite a few valuable assets—like four unprotected first-round picks, a 2028 pick swap, and additional picks for the 2025 draft.
Seeing Desmond Bain move to the Magic for four first-round picks has made the Celtics more aware of what’s possible in the current trade market.
That said, Celtics assistant general manager Mike Zaren has dismissed the chances of trading either White or Brown.
“Both guys are exceptional NBA talents, and there’s really no serious consideration about trading them,” Zaren mentioned in a post-draft interview. “I’m not sure where these rumors are coming from, but they are pivotal to our team’s success, and we’re fortunate to have them.”
While Zaren insists that the team can only yield substantial offers for these players, it’s clear that enticing proposals might be hard to turn down.
Derrick White, 30, enjoyed a career-best season with averages of 16.4 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds during the 2024-2025 regular season.
Both White and Brown are in the second year of their lucrative Super Max contracts, which could total around $304 million. They played key roles in leading Boston to the championship in 2024.
Brown has spent all nine years of his career with the Celtics since being picked third overall in the 2016 draft, while White joined Boston from San Antonio in the 2021-2022 season and has earned accolades since then.
