Apr 12, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42), guard Jrue Holiday (4) and guard Derrick White (9) on the sideline as their teammates take on the Charlotte Hornets in the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images David Butler II-Imagn Images

NBA Insider’s Celtics Update Could be Important for Detroit Pistons

Originally posted on Detroit Pistons on SI
By Justin Grasso | Last updated May 25, 2025 6:24 PM ET

If the Detroit Pistons want to make some sort of splash in the trade market this offseason, the Boston Celtics could have an intriguing sale going on.

As the defending NBA Champions will certainly hand over the title next month after a second-round exit against the New York Knicks in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, there is a growing assumption that Boston could see some major changes beyond the core of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

Fans of the Pistons have a taken a liking to the thought of the team trading for Derrick White. As the veteran guard has established himself as one of the best two-way guards in the game, starring in a non-star role for a championship-winning squad, it’s easy to assume he would be a difference-maker.

For Detroit—or any team, for that matter—a White acquisition could be a pipe dream.

NBA Insider Suggests Derrick White Isn’t a Desired Trade Chip for Boston

“The Celtics' precise determination to keep their various veterans is difficult to calculate so soon after the defending champions' Round 2 exit to the Knicks in six games and the devastating loss of Jayson Tatum to an Achilles rupture,” NBA Insider Marc Stein recently wrote. “but the early projections in circulation suggest Boston is more apt to make Jrue Holiday available via trade this offseason than Derrick White.”

Whether it’s Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, or White, it seems the Celtics are set to part ways with at least one of their key players due to “luxury tax concerns.”

Porzingis wouldn’t be a logical target for Detroit, as the frontcourt is in good hands at the moment. Holiday or White could bring valuable leadership, defense, and ball-handling to the table.

Both Boston guards have multiple seasons left on their deals. Holiday’s is a little less valuable, considering his player option would kick in during his age 37 season, and would cost a little under $40 million. Next year, Holiday will cost $30 million.

White’s contract would expire when he’s 35. He’ll make $28 million next year, and his final player option would be for $34.8 million. Around the league, he’s considered to be on a valuable deal.

White would be a nice upgrade, but the Pistons aren’t desperate for it. Prior to Jaden Ivey’s season-ending injury last year, he was having a career year. In 30 games, he posted averages of 18 points, four rebounds, and four assists. At 22 years old, Ivey is looking like a key contributor to a winning team. Since Detroit is currently interested in playing a patient game with their roster-building, a trade with the Celtics seems unlikely at this time.