The NBA offseason has been a whirlwind for the Boston Celtics, who have already parted ways with key players like Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Al Horford. With star Jayson Tatum sidelined by a torn Achilles tendon, the Celtics are facing a potential rebuild. In a stunning move, Boston is reportedly considering trading guard Derrick White, a cornerstone of their recent success, to the Toronto Raptors in a blockbuster deal that could reshape both franchises.
According to Clutch Points’ Brett Siegel, the Celtics have received multiple offers for White, including one from Toronto that featured the No. 9 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Boston turned down that package, which also included two first-round picks and a pick swap, signaling that any deal for White would require a hefty price. Undeterred, the Raptors have come back with a bold proposal that could finally pry the versatile guard away from Beantown.
Proposed Trade: Celtics-Raptors Blockbuster
Boston Celtics receive:
Shooting guard Gradey Dick
Three first-round draft picks
A future conditional pick swap
Toronto Raptors receive:
Shooting guard Derrick White
This hypothetical trade package is a significant escalation from Toronto’s earlier offer. The inclusion of three first-round picks and a conditional pick swap reflects the high value Boston places on White, a two-way star who averaged a career-best 16.4 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game in the 2024-25 season while shooting an efficient 44.2% from the field. Adding Gradey Dick, a promising young sharpshooter, sweetens the deal for Boston, giving them a potential cornerstone for their future.
The Celtics are at a crossroads. With Tatum’s injury casting a shadow over the 2025-26 season, Boston is poised for regression, even with White’s elite two-way play. Trading him for a package centered around Gradey Dick and a trove of draft capital allows the Celtics to pivot toward a rebuild without sacrificing long-term flexibility. Dick, who averaged 14.4 points per game in his second season while shooting 41% from the field, offers scoring potential and youth at just 22 years old. His 3.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game show flashes of versatility, making him a high-upside piece for Boston’s future.
The three first-round picks and future pick swap give the Celtics ammunition to either draft young talent or package the assets for a star when Tatum returns to full health. Boston could use these picks to target players who complement Tatum and Jaylen Brown, ensuring the franchise remains competitive in the post-rebuild era. By moving White now, the Celtics maximize his trade value while avoiding a potentially lackluster season.
For the Raptors, acquiring Derrick White would be a game-changer. Toronto has been aggressively pursuing star talent this offseason, with names like Kevin Durant linked to the franchise. Landing White, a proven playoff performer and defensive stalwart, could propel the Raptors back to the postseason for the first time in five years. His ability to guard multiple positions, knock down threes, and facilitate the offense makes him an ideal fit alongside Toronto’s young core, including Scottie Barnes.
While parting with Gradey Dick and three first-round picks is a steep price, intra-division trades often require an overpay, and Toronto’s front office appears willing to go all-in to end their playoff drought. White’s experience and versatility would provide stability and leadership, allowing the Raptors to compete in the rugged Atlantic Division. His 2024-25 stat line—16.4 points, 4.8 assists, and 44.2% shooting—suggests he’s entering his prime, making him a worthwhile investment for a team looking to make waves.
From a fantasy basketball perspective, this trade could have intriguing implications. Both White and Dick averaged similar shot attempts last season (12 for White, 12.6 for Dick), suggesting their scoring roles might not shift dramatically. However, White’s assist numbers could take a slight hit in Toronto, where the team scored fewer points per game in 2024-25 compared to Boston. In Boston, Dick could see an uptick in opportunities, especially with the Celtics’ depleted roster, though his assist and rebound numbers (1.8 and 3.6, respectively) suggest he’s still developing as a playmaker.
White’s defensive contributions, including his 1.2 blocks per game last season, make him a valuable multi-category contributor in fantasy leagues. Dick, meanwhile, offers scoring and three-point shooting upside, which could flourish in Boston’s system. Fantasy managers should monitor how each player adapts to their new environment, but both remain intriguing options for the 2025-26 season.
This proposed trade would send shockwaves through the NBA, signaling Boston’s willingness to embrace a rebuild while giving Toronto a proven star to elevate their roster. For the Celtics, Gradey Dick and a haul of draft picks provide a foundation for the future. For the Raptors, Derrick White represents a chance to compete now while building around a versatile, two-way guard. As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Boston and Toronto to see if this blockbuster comes to fruition.