The NBA landscape was rocked over the weekend by a massive trade between the Orlando Magic and the Memphis Grizzlies, with star guard Desmond Bane heading to Orlando in exchange for four first-round picks, a draft swap, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Cole Anthony. The deal sent shockwaves through the league, and one executive watching closely was Boston Celtics president Brad Stevens, who now faces critical decisions about his own roster, particularly regarding guard Derrick White.
The Celtics, mired in the NBA’s punitive second apron of the luxury tax, are under pressure to shed salary to alleviate their financial burden. With White being a prime candidate for a potential trade, the blockbuster Bane deal has set a high bar for what Boston might expect in return. “It’d be really, really surprising if they’d trade Jaylen Brown,” an NBA executive noted. “But when you look at what Orlando just gave up for Bane? I think Brad would pretty quickly take that for Derrick White.”
Desmond Bane, at 26 years old, brings a slightly higher upside than the 30-year-old White. Bane’s stat line of 19.2 points, 5.3 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game, with shooting splits of 48.4% from the field and 39.2% from three, outshines White’s 16.4 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds on 44.2% field goal shooting and 38.4% from beyond the arc. However, Bane’s injury history and heftier contract—$163 million over the next four years compared to White’s $128 million over the same period—complicate the comparison.
While Bane’s trade package, which included four first-round picks, a swap, and two quality players, represents the gold standard, the Celtics likely wouldn’t command an identical haul for White. Still, the precedent set by the Grizzlies’ deal suggests Boston could demand a significant return. “They might have a harder time just because everyone knows they’re up against it and need to make a deal,” the executive added. “But if you go by what the Grizzlies just got, Brad Stevens has to get a couple of players and two or three first-rounders for White. Or else you keep him.”
Stevens, known for his shrewd roster management, now faces a pivotal moment. Trading White could provide the Celtics with both salary relief and valuable assets to retool their roster, but the price must be right. With the Bane trade raising the stakes, Boston is poised to demand a sky-high return for their versatile guard, signaling that any team looking to pry White away will need to pay a premium.