Celtics Guard Derrick White Linked to Trade Rumors With Western Rival
The Golden State Warriors’ search for one last championship run with Stephen Curry has unexpectedly placed Boston Celtics guard Derrick White at the center of trade speculation — but in Boston, there’s growing belief that White’s best days are still ahead in green and white.
Ideal Trade Target for Warriors
In a recent Bleacher Report column, Greg Swartz named White as the ideal trade target for Golden State, calling him “the perfect backcourt partner for a 38-year-old Stephen Curry who probably isn’t going to be giving All-Defensive efforts on a nightly basis.”
“At 31, Derrick White isn’t exactly young anymore,” Swartz wrote, “but he would look like a spring chicken alongside Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green and Al Horford on these Golden State Warriors.”
Swartz praised White’s ability to defend multiple positions, describing him as “perhaps the best shot-blocking guard we’ve seen since Dwyane Wade.” He argued that White’s defensive instincts, basketball IQ, and championship experience would make him an ideal fit for a Warriors team still chasing one last title.
Boston’s Reluctance to Trade White
Getty Derrick White of the Boston Celtics talks with Jaylen Brown during the second quarter of the game against the Chicago Bulls.
Despite the chatter, Boston has shown no indication of shopping White.
In July, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints added that multiple teams offered two first-round picks and a swap for White, and Boston declined.
After offseason trade rumors linked both White and Jaylen Brown, Celtics vice president of basketball operations Mike Zarren dismissed the speculation.
“Those two guys are really, really great NBA players, and there hasn’t been anything close to serious about trading them,” Zarren told reporters. “Those guys are key parts of our team, and we’re lucky to have them here.”
A Larger Role for White in Boston
With Jayson Tatum sidelined by an Achilles injury and Horford, Kristaps Porziņģis and Jrue Holiday. He is averaging 20.0 points per game, though his shooting percentages have dipped to 31.6% from the field and 29.2% from three-point range — well below last season’s marks of 44.2% and 38.4%.
Even with the heavier workload, Boston’s front office views White as one of the NBA’s most valuable two-way guards — a player capable of adapting to whatever the team needs.
Richard White on His Son’s Rise
During a recent interview with Bobby Manning of The Garden Report, Richard White, Derrick’s father, said he believes his son can evolve into one of the Eastern Conference’s next breakout stars.
“There’s a lot of superstars now in the league right now that in the beginning they weren’t that,” Richard White said. “I mean (Jalen) Brunson was stuck behind Luka (Dončić) in Dallas and no one thought Brunson would be that way. But if you give him the opportunity and the ability to do with a whole lot, then that’s what you get.
“Whatever it takes not to lose is what he’s willing to do. So if that means he has to increase his scoring, he’ll do that… So the ball will probably be in his hands more. But if it leads to a shot, that’s because he’s open. If it leads to a pass, or setting the screen, or doing anything else like that, that’s what it takes.”
Boston Focused on Continuity
As speculation swirls, the Celtics remain focused on defending their 2024 NBA Championship and building around the core of Brown, White, and Tatum.
White’s defensive versatility and leadership are viewed internally as irreplaceable, especially after the offseason roster changes. With Boston integrating new pieces under head coach Joe Mazzulla, the team appears committed to keeping its All-Defensive guard exactly where he is — right at the heart of the Celtics’ bid to remain competitive without Tatum.
Broncos HC Sean Payton Delivers Blunt Message Amid Pat Surtain II Injury
The Denver Broncos did not have many issues dispatching the Dallas Cowboys in Week 8, but they do face concerns around two-time First Team All-Pro cornerback
Surtain exited the game with an ankle injury in the first quarter but returned by the Broncos’ next defensive series. However, he exited again in the second quarter with a shoulder injury.
That one knocked him out of the game, with official word coming during the third quarter.
Broncos HC Sean Payton Stays Mum on Pat Surtain II Injury
GettyPat Surtain II #2 of the Denver Broncos is helped off the field after an injury against the Dallas Cowboys.
Surtain has been one of the most durable players in the league, missing just two games in his career with the Broncos, who selected him with the No. 9 overall pick of the 2021 draft. Both games came in Week 18 of the regular season, including last year for rest.
The Broncos will certainly wait with bated breath until the three-time Pro Bowler is at full strength in practice.
After the game, Broncos head coach Sean Payton offered nothing on Surtain postgame.
“Pretty good. Proud of them,” Payton told reporters about the Broncos’ secondary after the game. “Don’t like to see that happen. You never know when a player goes down. The next man is up. Not going to discuss any of the players that were injured at all, but I was proud of the guys that had to go play when someone went down.”
Surtain, 25, is off to another strong start, allowing 53.3% completion in his coverage entering this contest, per Pro Football Reference. That is the second-best mark of his career, while his 69.6 QB rating allowed is the third-best.
The Broncos signed Surtain to a four-year, $96 million contract extension in September 2024, a testament to the caliber of player that he is.
Without him, the Broncos could be vulnerable on the back end.
Broncos Will Miss Pat Surtain II If Injury Leads to Time Off
GettyPat Surtain II #2 of the Denver Broncos breaks up a pass intended for George Pickens #3 of the Dallas Cowboys.
The Broncos’ other top corners – starter Riley Moss, nickelback Ja’Quan McMillian, and rookie first-round draft pick Jahdae Barron, the No. 20 overall pick in 2025, who recorded his first career interception on Sunday – allowed a combined 52.4% completion rate before Sunday.
They allowed seven completions in 14 targets against the Cowboys, per Pro Football Focus, with Moss continuing to face heavy targets (6-for-11 for 56 yards) and committing two penalties.
The Broncos visit the Houston Texans in Week 9.
Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is coming off his first 300-passing-yard game of the season and a win over the previously 5-2
The Broncos entered Sunday’s slate of games in Week 8 ranked fourth in scoring defense and third overall.
Surtain has been a critical part of the Broncos’ success, making his next update just as critical.
The Broncos will not get back on the practice field until Wednesday, and they notably face the
