The Boston Celtics boast one of the deepest and most talented rosters in the NBA, making them favorites to secure a second consecutive championship. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, they are listed at +200 to win the title, with the OKC Thunder following closely behind at +400.
There is no immediate need for the Celtics to make roster upgrades, which means GM Brad Stevens is unlikely to rush into any trades ahead of the February 6 deadline. However, the team could consider moves to cut costs.
Currently, the Celtics are the third-most expensive team in the league and are set to have the largest payroll next season. Under the new CBA, they are in the second apron, which means they will need to reduce their payroll in the next two years to avoid hefty tax bills and fines.
This financial pressure has led to mock trade proposals aimed at trimming the roster’s cost. One such proposal by Colin Keane from The Sporting News suggests a trade sending Derrick White to the Golden State Warriors for Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, and Kevon Looney.
While this deal might look appealing on paper, it would be a major mistake for the Celtics. Kuminga and Podziemski are promising young players with considerable potential, and Looney is a strong presence in the paint and on the boards. The trade could help the Celtics save money this season, but they would eventually need to extend Kuminga’s contract, which would offset any immediate financial relief.
White’s value to the Celtics is often underestimated. As arguably the third-best player on the team, he provides exceptional defense, rim protection, and shooting—averaging 3.6 threes per game at nearly 40% efficiency. White is a near All-Star with a significant impact on defense. Trading him for minimal financial savings and unproven players would be a costly mistake for the Celtics.
