NBA Trade Rumors: Golden State Warriors Eye Celtics' Derrick White Amid Cap Crunch: Trade Could Signal Major Offseason Shake-Up
As the NBA offseason heats up, the Golden State Warriors are reportedly targeting Derrick White of the Boston Celtics, eyeing the elite two-way guard as a prime candidate to bolster their fading title hopes. For the Celtics, financial pressure from a stacked roster could force a painful but strategic parting with one of their most reliable starters.
Why Derrick White Is on Golden State’s Radar
Fresh off a deep playoff run and a season where he averaged 16.4 points, 2.0 stocks (steals + blocks), and shot nearly 39% from three in the playoffs, Derrick White is quietly one of the most impactful two-way guards in the league. His off-ball movement, catch-and-shoot reliability, and disruptive defense make him an ideal plug-and-play fit in Golden State’s motion-heavy offense and switch-heavy defense.
White checks every box for the Warriors:
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Elite perimeter defender to pair with Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green
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Efficient secondary scorer who doesn’t need the ball to contribute
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High basketball IQ and proven playoff performer
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Championship pedigree
With Stephen Curry entering the twilight of his prime and Jimmy Butler now on board after a surprise blockbuster at the trade deadline, the Warriors are going all-in. White would offer defensive balance and consistency, especially in non-Curry minutes, where Golden State has long struggled to sustain offense and stops.
Boston’s Cap Crunch: Why White Might Be Available
The Celtics' core is loaded — and expensive. Between Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porziņģis, and Jrue Holiday, the team is staring down a luxury tax bill that could push north of $60 million in penalties if they run it back intact.
While White isn’t the biggest name on the roster, his $28 million salary for 2025 makes him a potential cap casualty — especially if Boston is prioritizing re-signing Tatum to a supermax extension and keeping Holiday.
The Celtics' dilemma:
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Trading White won’t make them better in the short term
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But it could provide long-term flexibility and high-upside talent
Golden State’s young forward Jonathan Kuminga is the centerpiece of any rumored deal, with Gary Payton II and Moses Moody included for salary-matching and depth. A future first-round pick would sweeten the pot.
Proposed Trade:
Warriors receive:
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Derrick White
Celtics receive:
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Jonathan Kuminga
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Moses Moody
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Gary Payton II
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Future first-round pick
How This Deal Helps Both Teams
Warriors’ Angle: One Last Run with Curry
This trade is about maximizing Steph Curry’s remaining window. Adding Derrick White gives them:
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The best perimeter defender they’ve had since Klay Thompson’s prime
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Insurance for Butler and Curry’s health
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A glue guy who doesn’t disrupt locker room chemistry
It’s a steep price, but Golden State isn’t looking for bargains — they’re buying cohesion, defense, and experience.
Celtics’ Angle: Youth and Flexibility Without a Full Rebuild
Boston doesn’t want to rebuild — but it may need to retool. Kuminga is still just 22 years old with untapped All-Star upside. He fits well next to Tatum as a slashing, athletic forward who can grow into a larger role.
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Moody gives them another 3-and-D wing
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Payton II returns familiar defensive toughness
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A future first-rounder maintains asset flexibility
Joe Mazzulla could develop Kuminga into a long-term piece, especially if Porziņģis’ long-term health remains a question.
Mutual Upside Despite Risk
Trading a core player fresh off a championship run is never easy — but the Celtics might have to do just that to keep the books in order. Meanwhile, the Warriors can’t afford to waste what could be Stephen Curry’s final MVP-caliber seasons.
If both sides pull the trigger, it could be the rare trade that redefines both teams' futures without derailing either.
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