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Celtics Could Land $51M Forward by Parting With Derrick White

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Levine | Last updated Jun 24, 2025 3:32 PM ET

The Boston Celtics are expected to be one of the more active teams this summer due to the salary issues within the roster. Boston has already addressed some of this by trading away star guard Jrue Holiday, but the team still has work to do.

Many have believed that Boston could move on from multiple key contributors this offseason, and it seems that the Celtics could do exactly that. It has been reported that the Celtics may look to hold onto guys like Jaylen Brown or Derrick White, but for the right deal, each could be available.

In a new trade idea from Eddie Bitar of Fadeaway World, the Celtics decide to move on from White. The trade would see them link up with the rival Los Angeles Lakers, landing them some strong assets and a draft pick.

Here is how the trade would look:

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Derrick White

Boston Celtics Receive: Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, 2031 first-round pick

Boston could likely get more if they were to trade White, but landing the 2031 pick from Los Angeles is interesting. Nobody knows where the Lakers will be then, and this draft pick could be very lucrative for the Celtics.

The Celtics would also land an expiring deal in Hachimura, who could help fill the role left by Jayson Tatum due to injury. Hachimura has heavily increased his 3-point shooting over the years, becoming a reliable knockdown shooter from distance.

Boston would also net Knecht, who has shown flashes, even with some issues on the defensive side of the ball. This trade could help both sides out, especially for next season.

The Celtics would shed salary here, and the Lakers could land a perfect backcourt complement to star Luka Doncic.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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