Warriors and Lakers call about Derrick White, Celtics respond fast with demand for ‘Rudy Gobert package’

The Boston Celtics entered a rebuilding phase after Jayson Tatum suffered a season-ending injury. This prompted the team to trade Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis during free agency, sparking widespread speculation that Derrick White and Jaylen Brown might also be traded.

Multiple NBA teams inquired about both players throughout the offseason, with significantly more interest in White than Brown. Western Conference contenders were particularly active, with the Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors, and Los Angeles Lakers formally exploring trade scenarios for White, according to NBA insider Brett Siegel.

Despite receiving offers that included multiple first-round draft picks, the Celtics immediately rejected all proposals. The organization views White as "untouchable" alongside Brown and Tatum, establishing an exceptionally high compensation threshold for any potential deal.

Siegel reported that Boston would only consider trading White for a historic package comparable to the Rudy Gobert trade, where Utah received Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley, Leandro Bolmaro, Walker Kessler, Jarred Vanderbilt, four first-round picks, and a pick swap from Minnesota. This precedent-setting haul represents the minimum benchmark the Celtics would require.