The Boston Celtics are making it very clear that they want to keep Derrick White for next season.
The Celtics have a massive asking price in trade talks surrounding White, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line. Boston wants a return similar to what the Brooklyn Nets got for Mikal Bridges last summer: four unprotected first-round picks, a pick swap in 2028, and a first- and second-round pick in the 2025 draft.
At that quoted price, a White trade is highly unlikely. The Celtics may be setting a very high target and open to compromise if some team even comes close, but even if that is the case, not many teams would probably want to give up multiple first-round selections for White.
White has firmly established himself as an instrumental part of the Celtics. A two-time All-Defensive selection, he was part of the 2024 championship team, and averaged a career-high 16.4 points per game for Boston last season. The Celtics signed him to a four-year, $118 million contract extension last year.
Previous reports have suggested the Celtics view White as one of their borderline untouchable pieces. They will need him next season with Jayson Tatum sidelined following his Achilles tear.
