Celtics Reject Raptors' Offer for Derrick White

The Boston Celtics are facing salary cap challenges after trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, leading to speculation about the potential trade of Derrick White, a key contributor to their 2024 championship team. Despite receiving trade offers, including one from the Toronto Raptors involving the No. 9 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Celtics have rejected such proposals, considering them insufficient for a player of White's caliber and importance, especially with Jayson Tatum sidelined due to injury. White, who had a career-best season and is integral to the team's defensive and offensive schemes, remains a core piece alongside Tatum and Jaylen Brown, with the Celtics preferring proven talent over unproven draft prospects. The Houston Rockets are reportedly a plausible trade partner, possessing valuable young assets and draft capital, but any trade involving White would require a substantial offer reflecting both short-term and long-term considerations. Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens emphasized the team's commitment to maintaining a strong foundation with White and other key players. Overall, while the Celtics are not actively shopping White, they are open to serious offers that could benefit the team's future championship prospects.