Boston Celtics: Pass or Pursue on 2 Derrick White for Derrick Rose trades

The Boston Celtics just got dominated by the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, which brought many fans back mentally to the 2020-21 season. Out of every Cs squad since 2014-15, last year’s team was easily the least convincing as a contender.

It’s sad, but Sunday’s beatdown was soul-crushing in some ways. The said soul can be restored on Tuesday, though.

There’s also no guarantee that happens.

Should the Cs lose the series to the Bucks, the easiest contract to move in the offseason of any non-core member–and this core is likely sticking around considering the results of the 2021-22 campaign—would be Derrick White.

NBA Analysis Network decided to begin making mock trades of the C’s midseason acquisition, with Derrick Rose being acquired in the 2 published on Monday: 

"New York Knicks Receive: G Derrick WhiteBoston Celtics Receive: G Derrick RoseHouston Rockets Receive: G/F Cam ReddishNew York Knicks Receive: G Derrick White, F Jae’Sean Tate, F David NwabaBoston Celtics Receive: G Derrick Rose, 2023 Second-Round Pick (NYK), 2024 Second-Round Pick (HOU)"

Why the Boston Celtics do both

Derrick White is on a long-term deal that doesn’t expire until 2025. A lot can change throughout the entire country and world by then. That’s a serious commitment to the 2017 No. 29 NBA Draft pick.

His 3-point shooting fell off this past season, the first under his new extension signed by the San Antonio Spurs. If that’s the beginning of a downward trend, we’re looking at contract capable of becoming an albatross eventually.

Derrick Rose’s contract has one guaranteed year left and a club option for the 2023-24 season. If Boston could get off of White’s long-term money to land Rose straight up, which is unlikely with the Knicks already having Evan Fournier on the roster, it’d be a home run.

Add two future second-round picks like the second deal? That’s a grand slam.