Derrick White Addresses Celtics Trade Rumors and Embraces Bigger Role After Roster Shake-Up

Boston Celtics guard Derrick White opened up about his name that appeared in offseason trade rumors, which he has expressed calm confidence amid speculation and roster turnover in Boston.

Speaking on the Celtics Talk Podcast with Chris Forsberg, White said he wasn’t overly concerned despite being linked to trade talks during a turbulent summer that saw Boston reshuffle its lineup following Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury.

“Every summer is pretty wild now,” White said. “But I wasn’t too stressed. My agent and Brad \[Stevens] had been in contact, so I wasn’t buying into all the rumors. Honestly, it’s nice to be wanted by other teams, but I wanted to stay in Boston, and I’m glad they felt the same.”

The Celtics made significant changes in June, trading away Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis due to the league’s second apron salary cap restrictions. Still, the front office stood firm when it came to White, reportedly turning down trade offers unless they received a substantial return.

Celtics executive Mike Zarren also shut down any serious trade talk involving White or Jaylen Brown, saying ahead of the NBA Draft that both players remain core parts of the franchise.

“Those guys are high-level NBA players. There wasn’t anything close to serious on that front,” Zarren said last month. “I don’t know where all the reports came from, but we’re lucky to have them.”

White is entering the first season of a four-year, \$118 million contract extension signed last year. With the Celtics parting ways with four key rotation players and facing Tatum’s injury, White is expected to take on a bigger leadership role this coming season.

“It’s tough seeing teammates go, guys you battled with and won a title alongside,” he said. “To See KP and Jrue get traded, Luke is been signed elsewhere, it’s hard. But that’s part of the business. I believe in the group we have now, and I think we’re ready for the challenge. It’ll be different, but that’s what makes basketball exciting.”

As Boston looks to remain competitive in a deep Eastern Conference, White’s stability and versatility will be crucial in navigating a new team dynamic.