The Boston Celtics are preparing for a major roster shakeup this offseason after star forward Jayson Tatum suffered an Achilles injury, ruling him out for the upcoming season. With this setback, the team is nearly certain to trade one of its veteran guards, Derrick White or Jrue Holiday, to adjust the roster and manage salary cap concerns. The Boston Celtics preference trading Derrick White remains a point of debate within the organization as they navigate these challenges.
Holiday and White: Performance and Contract Overview
Jrue Holiday, turning 35 this June, delivered 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game last season. Although he missed out on an NBA All-Star selection, he earned a spot on the NBA All-Defensive Second Team for the second consecutive year. Holiday is under contract for three more seasons, with salaries escalating from $32.4 million in 2025-26 to a player option worth $37.2 million in 2027, when he will be 38 years old.
Derrick White, aged 31 in July, has demonstrated a notable uptick in his production, averaging a career-best 16.4 points along with 4.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game. White was recently named to the All-NBA Second Team for the second straight year and also made the NBA All-Defensive Team. His four-year contract begins this season, valued at $118 million, with a player option for $34.8 million in 2028.
Celtics’ Trade Strategy Hinges on Player Valuation and Salary Management
Insider reports from Marc Stein indicate the Celtics favor trading Jrue Holiday over Derrick White; however, this preference is complicated by differing valuations across the league. Holiday’s age and expensive contract make him a challenging trade candidate unless a draft pick is added to sweeten offers. Conversely, trading White is likely to yield a stronger return but would mean parting with a younger, All-NBA caliber player.
If Boston can offer a draft pick alongside Holiday, the team could maintain White’s presence while reducing payroll burdens. Without such incentives, the Celtics may have to retain Holiday and pursue trading White despite the impact on their long-term competitiveness.
Implications for the Celtics’ Future Season and Beyond
Managing roster composition and salary commitments is now a critical task for the Celtics amid Tatum’s injury absence. The choice between trading Jrue Holiday or Derrick White will influence the team’s competitiveness and financial flexibility in coming seasons. The decision will reflect both the Celtics’ immediate need to adjust for a lost MVP contender and their longer-term ambitions in the Eastern Conference.