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Raptors made offer for Celtics’ star before drafting Collin Murray-Boyles, got laughed off the phone

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Jonah Kubicek | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 7:34 PM ET

The Toronto Raptors drafted Collin Murray-Boyles with the ninth overall pick in the NBA Draft, although they tried to trade the selection for a champion.

The Toronto Raptors, all offseason, have made it clear that they were gunning for a star to add to their roster in an effort to win now. Instead, they drafted Collin Murray-Boyles ninth overall, failing to address their need at center.

Masai Ujiri, the architect of their 2019 championship team, was dismissed from his role on Friday, and the Raptors are seemingly all-in on their core, who had the backing of general manager Bobby Webster.

In an attempt to round out the roster, the Raptors made a desperate offer to the Boston Celtics, who had no interest in engaging.

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Toronto Raptors tried to trade for Derrick White

Between Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, Brandon Ingram, Scottie Barnes, and Jakob Poeltl, the Raptors have a core solid enough to make some noise in the weak Eastern Conference, although their title hopes are unfounded.

The New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, and even the Indiana Pacers will be better than them next season, although it’s not for lack of trying.

In a desperate bid to contend and likely save his job, Ujiri called the Boston Celtics about trading for Derrick White.

“There were reports that the Raptors offered the No. 9 pick for Derrick White,” said Zach Lowe on his podcast. “I’m told that’s true, but that it happened a month and a half ago after Jayson Tatum got hurt and Boston laughed at that offer and said we need way more than number nine for Derrick White.”

Perhaps the Raptors could have offered more capital for White, although the NBA and Olympic champion fits in well with the core of Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and is expected to remain a centerpiece for when Boston gets healthy in 2026-27.

Celtics have no interest in trading White

Before the offseason officially started, it was clear that the Celtics would make some moves.

Tatum’s injury will likely keep them out of contention next season, and the bloated payroll was well beyond the second apron.

Brown, White, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porzingis were all included in trade rumors, and after Boston got under the apron by trading Holiday to Portland and Porzingis to Atlanta, the team is expected to be done making moves.

While the ninth overall pick was enticing, it simply was not enough for the Celtics to part ways with a core player, especially after they had already made some cost-cutting efforts.

Assistant general manager Mike Zarren said after the draft that the team never got close to trading either Brown or White, and even with Brown receiving significant interest, expect Boston to hold the line.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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