Boston Celtics: Proposal adds career 40% 3-point shooter and future first round pick

As the 2022-23 season progresses, it is becoming clear that the Boston Celtics are squarely in the mix as one of the top contenders in not only the Eastern Conference but the entire Association as well.

While the Cleveland Cavaliers have proven to be a thorn in the C’s side, Boston is a Robert Williams III return away from being able to compete with their big-bodied frontcourt of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.

Any moves made between now and the trade deadline would likely be of the small splash variety, with the team’s core likely not going anywhere until a decision must be made about Jaylen Brown in 2024.

That’s what makes the following mock trade by NBA Analysis Network’s James Piercey — one that adds a career 40% 3-point shooter and a future draft pick — a feasible proposal for the Boston Celtics front office to mull:

"Miami Heat Receive: G Derrick White Boston Celtics Receive: G/F Duncan Robinson, 2023 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – MIA)"

Why the Boston Celtics pass on this deal

This deal seems like it’d be cut and dry for the Boston Celtics considering they’d be the ones receiving draft capital, something that’d be welcomed because of their lack of draft assets moving forward.

Not so fast, though. The emergence of Sam Hauser, who just scored a career-high 24 points against the Detroit Pistons on November 9, makes Duncan Robinson somewhat redundant. Hauser makes 10% of what Robinson does but provides much of the same production. Adding nearly $17 million in salary for the next three years, and a potential fourth if Robinson picks up his player option, for repeat production just isn’t a good use of resources for the Cs.

Derrick White has been rumored to be a potential trade chip for a bigger fish, so dealing him away for a player with less versatility and less function should the backcourt suffer injuries likely isn’t in the best interest of Boston Celtics President of Basketball Brad Stevens and co.