The Celtics could consider this mock trade for Derrick White
Celtics mock trade proposal sends Derrick White to the Raptors in exchange for rising forward originally appeared on The Sporting News
The Boston Celtics are in quite a weird position heading into next season. With Jayson Tatum out for most of, if not all of next season with a torn achilles, and many of the team’s key pieces from their 2024 championship squad gone, the next 12 months could be very telling for the Celtics.
A name that has been floated in trade conversations is Derrick White. The 31-year-old has become a staple of the Celtics identity since his arrival during the 2021-22 season. In three and a half seasons with the team, he has averaged 14.2 points, and 4.5 assists per game while shooting 38 percent from three-point range. White fits the Celtics three-and-D identity perfectly, as he’s also been named All-Defense twice since landing in Boston.
Sports Illustrated’s Ryan Shea proposed a mock trade that sends White to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for a younger piece, and some draft capital.
The full mock trade is as follows:
Raptors Acquire:
Derrick White
Celtics Acquire:
RJ Barrett
2026 1st round pick
2028 1st round pick
While it does seem outlandish at first, this trade does make sense for the Celtics long-term. White is on the wrong side of 30, and selling high on him now while the Celtics go through a transformation period next season will be beneficial for them in the long-term. In this scenario, they’d acquire two very valuable first-round picks from a Raptors team that will likely be playing in the lottery once again, while also snagging a borderline All-Star in Barrett in the process.
Last season with Toronto, Barrett averaged 21.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game in 58 appearances.
While there is currently no indication that the Celtics are looking to trade White, it could be something to consider for the team’s long-term future.
Category: Basketball
