Boston is embroiled in trade rumors at the moment. The Celtics had a disappointing season this year following a championship-winning run the previous season. As a result, many of the TV and media personalities have begun to wonder what the Celtics might do to challenge for the title next year. As with every offseason, the trade rumors have begun to emerge, and the latest reports are that the Boston Celtics are not considering trading Jaylen Brown or Derrick White. The Celtics are no strangers to change, especially if the squad is showing signs of complacency.
It was a season to forget for the Boston Celtics this year
The regular season was promising for the Celtics this year. They began the season with the title behind them and a reputation as one of the teams to beat this year. They ended the regular season with a 61-21 record, the second-best in the Eastern Conference. Their star performers, like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, shone for the Celtics in a year where they were aiming to make back-to-back Finals appearances.
The postseason showed the weaknesses in the Celtics’ squad
In the first round of the Playoffs, the Celtics were to face Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic. Banchero has been at the core of a revolution for the Magic as they now have a respectable squad that is capable of challenging the best teams in the NBA. Despite the talent in Orlando, the Celtics were able to sweep the Magic to the side and progress to the next round.
In the second round is where it all fell apart for the Boston Celtics. Following a strong regular-season performance, the New York Knicks were too much for the Celtics to handle in the end. The Celtics would ultimately lose in six games in a series that saw a disastrous injury for their star performer, Jayson Tatum. His Achilles injury encapsulated the Celtics’ 2024-25 season.
Jaylen Brown and Derrick White are off the trade table for the Celtics
In his rookie season, Jaylen Brown averaged 6.6 points and 0.8 assists per game, making the All-Rookie Second Team as a result. From there, he has become a star player for the Celtics, leading them to multiple Finals appearances and a Finals win last year, where he was named Finals MVP. NBA insider Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports has reported that the Celtics are fielding multiple offers for Jaylen Brown.
Derrick White has also been integral to the Celtics since being traded by the San Antonio Spurs in 2022. He is known as a powerful defender and a sharpshooter from the three-point line. His defensive prowess has earned him NBA All-Defensive Team selections for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons. Following their disastrous end to the season, the Celtics are now fielding offers for the pair from multiple teams.
NBA Guru and basketball whisperer Shams Charania had the following to say about the Celtics trade rumors:
“Are teams making big offers and calling about Jaylen Brown and Derrick White? One hundred percent. The Celtics prefer not to trade them from my understanding. But listen, if they get a big offer, they have to look at everything. Between now and the draft and free agency, they’re going to evaluate what makes sense from a value perspective.”
Will the Boston Celtics rebuild their squad for next season?
The annual offseason trade rumors have begun, and the Celtics are at the center of those rumors. Following a less-than-ideal showing this year, the question becomes, what changes are the Boston Celtics prepared to make to challenge for the title next season? Will they ultimately let two of their best players leave Boston in favor of some new talent? We all know that Jayson Tatum is not going anywhere, but the rest of the squad is fair game, and the Celtics will need to consider their needs for next season.
