The Boston Celtics may be open to retooling their roster after a second-round playoff exit, but Jaylen Brown and Derrick White remain close to untouchable.
NBA insider Shams Charania said on The Pat McAfee Show that while teams are expected to make offers, the Celtics would only consider a return of major proportions.
“I’m sure teams are throwing crazy offers for guys like Jaylen Brown and Derrick White,” Charania said. “But it will take a pretty insurmountable package to get those guys out of Boston.”
Charania’s comments arrive as speculation builds around Boston’s offseason strategy.
Despite a 61–21 regular season and a first-round series win over Orlando, the Celtics failed to return to the Eastern Conference Finals following Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury.
That injury effectively ended Boston’s title defense and now leaves the front office to weigh potential moves under the NBA’s stricter collective bargaining rules.
According to The Kevin O’Connor Show, Boston is reportedly willing to trade anyone besides Tatum. But that list may not realistically include Brown or White.
Brown, 28, is entering the second year of a five-year, $285 million contract signed in 2023. He averaged 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists during the regular season, while playing 63 games.
In the playoffs, he posted 22.1 points and 7.1 rebounds per game across 11 appearances, once again taking on a primary scoring role.
White, 30, remains a core two-way contributor and just signed a four-year, $118 million extension. He put up 16.4 points, 4.8 assists, and shot 38.4% from deep this season.
His postseason numbers improved, averaging 18.8 points per game on 46.3% shooting while adding 1.1 blocks per contest, often defending the opposing team’s top perimeter threat.
While other names like Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, or Sam Hauser have surfaced in trade chatter, league insiders suggest Boston will demand overwhelming offers to part with either Brown or White.
Financially, the Celtics are approaching the league’s new second tax apron, limiting their flexibility unless they shed significant salary.
However, moving either Brown or White would drastically alter the team’s defensive identity and championship window.
Unless another team delivers an offer Boston cannot ignore, both players are expected to remain foundational pieces in the Celtics’ pursuit of an 19th NBA title.
