Derrick White has been key to the Boston Celtics’ success since joining the team in 2022, and he’s expected to take on an even more significant role this upcoming season.
White and Jaylen Brown will likely lead a new-look Celtics squad that parted ways with multiple members of its 2024 championship roster. Jrue Holiday (trade), Kristaps Porzingis (trade), and Luke Kornet (free agency) will play for new teams in 2025-26, and free agent Al Horford will likely follow suit or retire. Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum could miss the entire season after rupturing his Achilles in the playoffs.
Even White and Brown haven’t been safe from trade rumors this summer with the Celtics shedding salary to get under the second apron of the luxury tax. Boston reportedly was open to trade offers for any player on its roster except Tatum, though both White and Brown would command a massive haul.
Nonetheless, they remain on the roster as the Celtics enter unfamiliar territory as underdogs in the Eastern Conference. Although White is sad to see his fellow NBA champions leave, he’s optimistic about what’s next for Boston.
He spoke about the transition during an exclusive interview with NBC Sports Boston’s Celtics insider Chris Forsberg.
🔊 Celtics Talk: Derrick White tackles trade rumors, a new-look Celtics roster and excitement to prove doubters wrong | Listen & Subscribe | Watch on YouTube
“It’s always tough to see guys leave, especially people that you won a championship with and had so many great battles with,” White said. “Obviously, seeing KP and Jrue get traded, it was tough to see. And then Luke (Kornet) signs somewhere else.
“Having a different team and having those guys leave is kind of difficult, but it’s part of the business and I’m confident the guys that we have coming in and the guys that we still have returning. So it’s gonna be a lot of fun, and it’s gonna be a different challenge, but I think that’s just the great thing about basketball.”
White also shared his reaction to being mentioned as a potential trade chip.
“I think every summer is pretty crazy, especially nowadays,” he said. “But I didn’t feel too worried about anything. My agent and Brad had been talking and all the other rumors and stuff, I wasn’t really too worried about.
“I mean, I feel like it’s cool to be wanted by other teams, but I wanted to stay in Boston, and I was glad they wanted to keep me.”
White also shared his perspective on the Celtics’ retooled roster, playing with a chip on his shoulder, talking with Jayson Tatum amid his recovery and more. Check out the full episode here or on YouTube.
