Derrick White Could Be The Next Celtics Player On The Trade Block

The Boston Celtics' offseason has been described as "shocking," with the acquisition of Paul George raising questions about the security of players on the roster. One player who may be on the trade block is Derrick White, a guard who has been among the team's top performers over the past few years. Sports Illustrated's John Karalis has expressed concerns about White's future with the team, noting that at 32 years old and making more than $30 million, it is fair to question what his next move might be.

Karalis, a fan of White, stated that he doesn't believe the player will become an MVP candidate but holds him in high regard for his basketball ability, including his defensive skills, passing ability, and positive attitude on the court. Despite these positive attributes, Karalis's doubts about White's future raise concerns about the team's direction.

The Celtics have already made some questionable moves this summer, with the trade of Jaylen Brown being particularly notable. It would not be beneficial for the team to trade White, as he plays a crucial role on the perimeter and serves as a reliable backup ball-handler and scoring option. While his shooting splits may have been subpar last season, his overall performance and defensive involvement more than made up for it.

However, Karalis's comments suggest that the second apron, or looming cap space restrictions, may force the Celtics to be cautious with their spending next summer. With Paul George and Jayson Tatum set to be expensive players in 2027, the team may need to be judicious with their cap space. This could potentially force the Celtics to trade White or pay a larger penalty for his $32.5 million contract, especially with Payton Pritchard also eligible for an extension.

While it may not be wise to part with White, the team may not have a choice if they want to stay within their budget.