CBS Sports Floats Trade Proposal Sending Boston Celtics Star to Dallas Mavericks

As the NBA offseason approaches, the Dallas Mavericks are once again at the center of hypothetical trade discussions.

One recent proposal, floated by CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn, outlines a scenario in which Dallas acquires Boston Celtics guard Derrick White in exchange for P.J. Washington, Caleb Martin, Dwight Powell, and two unprotected first-round picks.

The deal would send the Lakers’ 2029 first-round pick and Dallas’ 2032 selection to Boston, giving the Celtics long-term draft capital while allowing the Mavericks to reinforce their backcourt in Kyrie Irving‘s absence.

White is coming off the most productive season of his career, averaging 16.4 points, 4.8 assists and 4.5 rebounds over 76 games. He shot 44.2% from the field, 38.4% from 3-point range on 9.1 attempts per game, and 83.9% from the free-throw line. The veteran guard was a key contributor to Boston’s championship run last season, providing consistent scoring, playmaking, and elite defense.

While Kristaps Porziņģis and Jrue Holiday have been commonly cited as Boston’s most likely trade candidates, Quinn argues that White is worth exploring as a movable piece.

“He’ll be 32 on opening night of the 2026–27 season,” Quinn wrote. “He’s older than he seems, and it would probably behoove Boston to get a bit younger.”

Quinn also pointed to White’s trade value in the current market, describing him as “the rare role player who fits on basically any team,” and comparing his potential return to the Mikal Bridges deal that netted five first-round picks.

“High-end 3-and-D players that can also do some creation are worth their weight in gold,” Quinn added.

The proposed deal would allow Celtics Sixth Man of the Year Payton Pritchard to play an expanded role.

“The Celtics need to figure out if he can be the starting point guard before Tatum comes back,” Quinn explained, referring to Jayson Tatum’s potential time away due to Olympic play. “Moving the incumbent starting point guard makes it easier to evaluate him next season.”

From Dallas’ standpoint, White would fill a significant need while fitting cleanly into multiple lineup configurations.

“He can be the point guard when Irving is out and the shooting guard when he returns,” Quinn wrote. “He’s an excellent defender. Oh, and the Mavericks just faced him in the Finals and lost, so they’re quite aware of how valuable he can be on a playoff run.”

Despite the long-term risks, the deal also aligns with general manager Nico Harrison’s short-term priorities.

“Harrison has made it clear he’s not thinking about the future in Dallas,” Quinn wrote. “He’s trying to win a championship right now, and he knows that if he doesn’t, he probably won’t be around for Flagg’s future anyway.”

Quinn projects a potential starting lineup of Irving, White, Cooper Flagg, Anthony Davis, and Dereck Lively II as “lethal in a playoff setting,” with enough depth to sustain a postseason run.

The return package would provide future flexibility and positional depth on the Celtics’ end. Washington is four years younger than White and could fit next to Tatum and Jaylen Brown or be insured if Boston ever chooses to move Brown’s contract. Martin brings playoff-tested wing depth, and Powell’s contract serves as a salary filler.

While Quinn considers a White trade “a fairly unlikely proposition,” he contends “practically anything should be on the table this summer.” The Celtics, he notes, should only act if the offer qualifies as a significant haul—and this package may come close.