Derrick White trade rumors give Celtics another path to improve beyond Giannis Antetokounmpo chase

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Derrick White trade rumors give Celtics another path to improve beyond Giannis Antetokounmpo chase originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

It’s well known that the main rumor for the Boston Celtics this offseason is a potential blockbuster trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo, as he could reshape the balance of the NBA. However, that’s not the only rumor that could give the Celtics another leg up on the competition.

That would be the rumors around Derrick White, which have pointed out that the Minnesota Timberwolves have a strong interest in him. The consensus for a proposed trade would be White would be sent to Minnesota for Sixth Man Of the Year winner Naz Reid, and a MIN 1st round pick.

White is on the decline​

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While he just had his best season scoring-wise, it’s quite obvious White is on the decline. In the past three years, his 3pt% has dropped by 69 points, and his overall FG% by 67 points.

On top of that, his performance in the playoffs this past season was abysmal. He averaged 11 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists on 32% from the field, and an awful 27% from deep.

So, if Boston can sell high on him for a guy like Reid and a first rounder, they should definitely consider it.

Reid is entering his prime​

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Reid is only 26 years old, making him five years younger than White. He would give Boston the big man upgrade they have been looking for, as he would start over Neemias Queta.

Last season, he averaged 13.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, one steal and one block per game as the sixth man. If he were a starter, all those numbers would go up.

He’s also an elite shooter, shooting 37% from deep as a center. This would give the Celtics five shooters on the court, giving them another way to recreate their golden age of Mazzulla Ball when they had Kristaps Porzingis.

Reid should be a priority​

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If the Giannis trade somehow falls through, and the Celtics keep their superstar duo in the Jays, getting Reid is a priority. Payton Pritchard would take his spot in the starting lineup, and Sam Hauser would take the open spot.

A starting five of Pritchard, Jaylen Brown, Sam Hauser, Jayson Tatum, and Naz Reid would help the C’s dominate the East. If Giannis falls through, this is a trade to make.

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