Turbulence in Boston: Celtics Eye Major Changes as Derrick White Draws Brooklyn Interest, Porzingis Future in Doubt

The Boston Celtics, fresh off a roller-coaster season, are facing a pivotal offseason that could alter the core of their championship-caliber team. According to sources close to the situation, the Celtics front office is reportedly entertaining trade inquiries for standout guard Derrick White, with the Brooklyn Nets emerging as a serious suitor. Meanwhile, Kristaps Porzingis’ future in Boston is growing increasingly uncertain, as the franchise grapples with a tightening salary cap and looming luxury tax implications.

These developments hint at a potential overhaul of a roster that many considered among the NBA’s most well-rounded this past season. But with financial realities setting in and key players commanding large extensions, Boston’s front office—led by Brad Stevens—is being forced to make tough decisions.

Derrick White has quietly become one of the most valuable two-way guards in the league. His stellar perimeter defense, three-point efficiency, and team-first mentality made him a fan favorite and a vital part of Boston’s backcourt. But with the Celtics already locked into massive financial commitments to Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Jrue Holiday, White’s upcoming contract extension has raised red flags.

He is eligible for a substantial extension this summer, and there’s speculation it could exceed $25 million per year—a figure the Celtics may find difficult to accommodate without dipping deep into the second tax apron, which severely limits roster flexibility under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

The Brooklyn Nets, on the other hand, are reportedly eyeing White as a stabilizing veteran presence. With uncertainty around their own backcourt and a desire to return to playoff contention, they see White as a plug-and-play option who brings postseason experience and defensive tenacity. Talks between the two teams are said to be exploratory at this stage, but the buzz around the league is that Boston is at least willing to listen.

Perhaps even more pressing than White’s future is the fate of Kristaps Porzingis. The Latvian big man was acquired last offseason in a deal that sent Marcus Smart to Memphis, signaling a dramatic shift in the team’s identity. Porzingis brought a unique blend of shot-blocking, floor spacing, and post scoring—traits that helped elevate Boston’s offensive ceiling.

But there’s a catch: Porzingis is owed $30 million next season, and his injury history remains a looming concern. He missed significant time down the stretch and was not fully available during the Celtics’ critical playoff moments. That, coupled with the hefty luxury tax bill Boston is facing, has led to internal conversations about moving the 7-foot-3 center.

Rival executives believe the Celtics are now at a crossroads—do they run it back and accept the financial hit, or do they recalibrate and shift toward a slightly leaner version of their core?

There’s a growing feeling that Porzingis might be the odd man out,” said one league insider. “Boston wants to keep the heart of the team intact, but that contract combined with his durability concerns is a real sticking point.”

The Celtics are not alone in navigating the harsh realities of the NBA’s revamped salary cap structure, but their case is particularly extreme. With Brown and Tatum already on max deals—and Tatum expected to sign a supermax extension soon—Boston is projected to be well above the second apron if they retain both White and Porzingis.

Crossing the second apron doesn’t just mean a bigger luxury tax bill. It carries penalties that could cripple a team’s ability to make in-season trades, sign buyout players, or utilize key exceptions. In essence, it locks the roster in place while penalizing maneuverability—something that could prove fatal for a team still chasing Banner No. 18.

Brad Stevens is now faced with a delicate balancing act: keep the team’s elite talent pool intact or make surgical adjustments to extend the title window without suffocating the franchise’s flexibility.

League sources say Boston is exploring a variety of trade scenarios involving role players and draft picks, including multi-team deals that could offload Porzingis’ salary while bringing in cheaper frontcourt help. At the same time, there’s a push to re-sign Derrick White, provided they can do so at a team-friendly number.

Fans should not be surprised if the Celtics look dramatically different when training camp begins in the fall. Whether it’s a blockbuster move involving White, or a calculated exit for Porzingis, the Celtics are bracing for significant change.