Boston Celtics: 3 Tristan Thompson trades to help replace Kemba Walker

Boston Celtics get ball-handler for the future, Spurs add youth

This deal sees the Boston Celtics address their ball-handling needs. Derrick White has emerged as a breakout star with the Spurs in recent years.

Concerns arose in the past year about White and Dejounte Murray having too similar of a playstyle. If this rings true, one of the two could be on the move soon.

Tristan Thompson would give the team a backup center behind Jakob Poeltl, while Romeo Langford gives them another piece for the future. The additional draft pick sweetens the deal even more for San Antonio, while Grant Williams acts as a salary-filler.

Adding Langford gives them a young replacement for DeMar DeRozan, who many expect to leave in free agency. Even if the Spurs retain DeRozan, the addition would give them a future at the position, as DeRozan is getting up there in age.

A starting lineup of Murray, Langford, Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, and Poeltl is full of potential. The move also helps the Celtics compete immediately.

White averaged 15.4 PPG, 3.0 RPG, and 3.5 APG last season on roughly 41/35/85 shooting splits. His solid defense and scoring highlight an all-around playstyle.

White would lead a backcourt of himself and Smart, but would also provide insurance if the C’s decide to trade Smart. White is on the books for $15-$18 million from next year until the 2024-25 season.