The Minnesota Timberwolves have reportedly been aggressive in their pursuit of White.
By Conor Ryan
2 minutes to read
Trade rumors continue to swirl around the Celtics and their reported pursuit of Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Jaylen Brown is far from the only Celtics stalwart who has been linked to trade talks as Brad Stevens looks to upgrade and overhaul Boston’s current roster.
Celtics guard Derrick White has also emerged as a popular trade target for clubs placing a premium on the soon-to-be 32-year-old’s defensive prowess, rim protection, and 3-point shooting — with the Minnesota Timberwolves in particular signaling a willingness to discuss terms.
But, even if Minnesota has reportedly signaled its intent to take White off of Stevens’ hands, the Celtics aren’t going to move a key cog off their roster unless they’re knocked over by an impressive offer.
“Minnesota has been most aggressive in pursuing White, the Celtics’ defensive mastermind who has the experience and the savvy to help [Anthony] Edwards and the Wolves break through in the West,” The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski wrote on Monday. “White turns 32 next month and saw his 3-point shooting percentage drop considerably this season, but so far the Celtics have rebuffed the Wolves’ advances.”
White still holds plenty of appeal as a long-term fixture on the Celtics, with the guard earning All-Defensive First Team honors in 2025-26 while often serving as Boston’s No. 2 or No. 3 scoring option behind Brown.
While White still had a major impact on defense, he regressed offensively. Despite averaging 16.5 points per game, he shot a career-low 39.4 percent from the field and just 32.7 percent from the 3-point line.
Still, the return of Jayson Tatum in a full-time capacity should allow White to slot back into his preferred spot as Boston’s third or fourth scoring option in 2026-27 — while maintaining his game-changing defensive prowess.
If Boston is looking for a game-changing presence in the paint (beyond swinging a trade for Antetokounmpo), Minnesota could be a viable trade partner — especially when it comes to veteran center Rudy Gobert.
There is plenty of risk with Gobert, who is limited offensively and will turn 34 in a few days.
But, Gobert is one of the best defensive players in league history — having won four Defensive Player of the Year Awards in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2024 — while also being a potential one-for-one trade fit with White, given that both players have matching salaries.
“In reference to Minnesota’s interest in White, which The Athletic’s Sam Amick first reported Friday morning, trading him for Rudy Gobert would represent a clear salary match,” NBA insider Jake Fischer wrote over the weekend. “Sources say that Boston, furthermore, has inquired about Gobert before … most recently at February’s trade deadline. Now I don’t think that the Wolves are actively shopping Gobert, either way, but Minnesota is said to be as exploratory and open-minded as Boston when it comes to shaking up the roster around the team’s clear alpha [Edwards].”
An elite rim protector like Gobert would have plenty of appeal for a team like the Celtics. But for now, it looks as though Boston isn’t budging on any deal involving White.
Conor Ryan is a staff writer covering the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox for Boston.com, a role he has held since 2023.
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