Bill Simmons floats the Derrick White trade

Boston Celtics guard Derrick White found himself at the center of trade speculation after the sports personality Bill Simmons the idea appeared that it was The Celtics could consider moving him if the season starts to roll. Simmons suggested Construction of the Boston list he may not be built to contend this year, pointing to a lack of rebounding and rim protection as signs the front office could be looking ahead.

“They can’t rebound, they can’t protect the rim,” Simmons he said on his podcast. “At some point, you look at Derrick White in his early 30s and think, is that a trade that makes sense for both sides?”

Simmons mentioned Houston as a possible destination, where White could fill in for the injured Fred VanVleet and reunite with former Celtics coach Im Udok. The Rockets have struggled to find a steady hand at the point guard, and White’s combination of defense, playmaking and experience could make him an attractive target.

White’s name also came up in connection with the Golden State Warriors, per Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz calling him “the perfect backcourt partner” for Stephen Curry. Swartz praised White’s ability to defend multiple positions, calling him “maybe the best shot-blocking guard since Dwyane Wade.” The Warriors are still looking for the right mix to maximize Curry’s final championship run.

The Celtics might be hesitant to blow him

Despite the chatter, Boston doesn’t appear to be in any rush to break up its core. According to multiple reports, the Celtics have turned down significant offers for White. That includes proposals involving multiple first-round picks. Team executive Mike Zaren dismissed any serious talk, saying both White and Jaylen Brown remain key to Boston’s long-term plans.

With Jayson Tatum sidelined with an Achilles injury, White has taken on a bigger scoring role. He averages 20 points per game. Of course, his shooting declined. But his leadership and defensive versatility have been vital as Boston tries to stay competitive in the offseason.

For now, the Celtics are focused on continuity, not change. But if Simmons’ prediction of a rough start comes true, Boston could soon face tough questions about its future and whether trading white becomes a necessary step in the next era of Celtics basketball.