In an unexpected turn of events following the Boston Celtics’ shocking second-round exit from the playoffs, speculation grows around the future of one of their pivotal stars. Derrick White, a four-year veteran with a hefty $118 million contract, is emerging as a potential target for the Detroit Pistons, a team looking to bolster its roster for a brighter future.
Despite the absence of official links between White and the Pistons, analysts and fans alike are urging the franchise to consider a significant trade that could reshape their fortunes. With Cade Cunningham stepping up as an All-Star, the Pistons find themselves on an ascendant trajectory, eager to add veteran talent to complement their young core.
One proposed trade scenario has caught the attention of many: the Pistons could acquire Derrick White alongside Baylor Scheierman from the Celtics in exchange for Jaden Ivey, a pair of future draft picks, and perhaps more. The suggested trade—while it may appear steep—underscores White’s status as one of the premier two-way players in the league today.
On paper, adding White to the Pistons would be monumental. The Celtics instinctively recognized his worth by offering him a substantial contract, and his contributions were vital to their championship run in 2024. Since joining Boston, White has averaged 14 points on 45% shooting, and particularly impressive is his 38% three-point shooting averaged over seven attempts per game. Last season, his scoring bumped up to 16 points per game, solidifying his role within the team.
However, acquiring him would not come without its dilemmas. Jaden Ivey, once considered a trade piece, showcased his talents last season, averaging 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists per game before a season-ending injury. His performance made it difficult for the Pistons to consider parting ways with him, as his growth has undeniably been promising. Ivey’s offensive statistics might be comparable to White’s, but defensively, the Celtics guard is widely regarded as superior, making this trade a complex decision for Detroit.
This prospective trade raises critical questions about the Pistons’ future and their strategy moving forward. With a solid young core that includes Ivey and Cunningham, would it be wise to gamble on a veteran like White, especially when it could mean giving up a budding star in Ivey? Making such a decision would require deep introspection into the direction the franchise wants to pursue.
The wisdom behind making this trade will ultimately depend on the Pistons’ assessment of White’s ability to contribute to a championship-caliber team. As the offseason progresses, the landscape of the NBA can change rapidly, and teams like Detroit must weigh their options carefully to ensure they are building the right foundation for sustainable success.