The Boston Celtics are making waves in the NBA, not with championship banners this time, but with a relentless mission to slash their payroll and dodge the NBA’s punishing luxury tax. In a series of bold moves, the Celtics have already shed 10 of the 15 players from their 2024 championship roster, and their latest trade proposal could send shockwaves through the league. The target? None other than fan-favorite guard Derrick White and his hefty $118 million contract, in a deal that could reshape Boston’s future while landing them a dynamic duo to fill the void.
On Tuesday, Boston took another step toward financial freedom by trading newly acquired power forward George Niang to the Utah Jazz. Niang, who was set to earn $8.2 million on an expiring contract, was swapped for R.J. Luis Jr., a former St. John’s star signed as an undrafted free agent on a two-way deal. This move not only shaved millions off the Celtics’ books but also completed their earlier blockbuster trade of Kristaps Porzingis.
In June, Boston sent Porzingis, a key cog in their 2024 title run, to the Atlanta Hawks, saving $30.7 million. By flipping Niang for Luis Jr., the Celtics effectively traded a high-priced star for a low-cost prospect, signaling their intent to stay under the NBA’s second apron and, if possible, avoid the luxury tax entirely.
The Celtics’ roster overhaul comes at a critical juncture. With four-time All-NBA superstar Jayson Tatum sidelined for most or all of the 2025-2026 season due to a devastating Achilles tear, Boston’s championship window has taken a hit. The team has already lost key contributors like Porzingis, backup center Luke Kornet, and veteran big man Al Horford, leaving glaring holes in the frontcourt. With the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement imposing harsh penalties for high-spending teams, Boston’s front office is in full cost-cutting mode, and no player—not even a beloved star like Derrick White—appears safe.
Enter a jaw-dropping trade idea floated on FanSpo, a platform known for its salary-cap-crunching tools. The proposal would see the Celtics deal Derrick White, the 31-year-old guard in the midst of a four-year, $118 million contract, to the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks, desperate for backcourt help with seven-time All-Star Kyrie Irving sidelined until February or March due to a torn ACL, view White as a potential “Kyrie 2.0” to keep their offense humming.
In return, Boston would land two players to address their depleted roster. The centerpiece is 6-foot-10-inch center Daniel Gafford, a six-year veteran who averaged 12.3 points and 1.8 blocks per game in the 2024-2025 season. Gafford’s rim protection and interior presence would fill the void left by Porzingis and Horford, giving Boston a much-needed anchor in the paint.
Joining Gafford is Max Christie, a 22-year-old former Lakers second-round pick with untapped potential. Christie, who was part of the Lakers’ blockbuster trade sending Anthony Davis to Dallas for Luka Dončić, brings youth and versatility to a Celtics roster in desperate need of both. Meanwhile, Dallas would sweeten the deal by sending their 2022 second-round pick, Jaden Hardy, to the New York Nets as part of the trade.
The proposed trade is a financial slam dunk for Boston. By offloading White’s $30 million salary and taking on Gafford and Christie, the Celtics would reduce their cap hit by $5.9 million, leaving them $10.7 million under the second apron. However, they’d still need to shed another $9.2 million to escape the luxury tax entirely—a goal that seems increasingly within reach given their aggressive approach.
More than just a salary dump, this trade could retool Boston’s roster for the post-Tatum era. Gafford’s defensive prowess and Christie’s upside provide a foundation to build around, even as the Celtics navigate a challenging season without their superstar. The loss of White, a heart-and-soul player for Boston, would sting, but the financial flexibility and new talent could keep the Celtics competitive in a loaded Eastern Conference.
The Celtics’ front office has shown a ruthless commitment to financial discipline, but questions remain. Will they continue to dismantle their championship core? Could more fan favorites be on the move? For now, this blockbuster proposal has the NBA world buzzing, with Boston poised to reshape their future while sending Derrick White to Dallas as the next best thing to Kyrie Irving. Stay tuned—this is one rebuild that’s just getting started.