The Boston Celtics are left to watch the Conference Finals at home after being upset in the playoffs. Worse yet, they will likely be without superstar Jayson Tatum for most or all of next season. That combination of bad news has increased speculation that they will look to break up their core to try and save on salary and luxury tax payments.
The most obvious candidates to be moved are Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick White, while Al Horford may opt for retirement. However, constructing a deal to save money without taking a major step back will prove challenging. Nevertheless, a potential deal between the Celtics and San Antonio Spurs could help both teams.
The Spurs hope to be in the Conference Finals next season and could use some of their flexibility this summer to add veteran experience to their up-and-coming roster. One such player they could target is already familiar to the Spurs.
The Boston Celtics ship Derrick White back to the Spurs in proposed deal
San Antonio previously drafted White, and he spent the first four and a half years of his career there before he was traded to the Celtics back in 2023. Reuniting with White could be just what they need, given that they have struggled to shoot the ball and to defend on the perimeter.
The proposed deal would send White back to the Spurs in exchange for Keldon Johnson and Julian Champagnie. The Celtics would also get the 14th pick while swapping out their 28th pick. The move would not only save the Celtics around $5.4 million in salary but also save them at least three times that amount in luxury tax payments.
It would also help them get younger with them swapping out White, who is 31 years old, for Johnson, who is 25 and still under contract for the next two seasons for a combined $35 million.
Meanwhile, Champagnie is 23 and a solid rotation player who is on a cheap contract for the next two seasons. He was one of the Spurs' best shooters, and his 6'8 frame provided them with solid perimeter defense. That would be useful to Boston, while Johnson would give the Celtics a bruising wing who relentlessly attacks the basket, constantly putting pressure on the rim.
The Celtics and Spurs both have reasons to do the trade
Johnson's inconsistency as a shooter has held him back, but he previously averaged 19 points per game during the 2021-22 season. He also posted a terrific 14.8 points and 5.4 rebounds while shooting 40.1% from deep during the second half of this season while coming off the bench.
Swapping White out for two rotation players who, combined, are far cheaper than him is the type of deal the Celtics need. Not to mention, they'd get a lottery pick by essentially moving up 14 spots.
Speaking of the Spurs, bringing back White, this time as a vet with championship experience, could help them take the next step. They have plenty of depth at guard with De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and likely second overall pick Dylan Harper.
Still, moving Johnson and Champagnie would help to clear out a logjam, and White could slot in as a sixth man, splitting time at both backup point guard and shooting guard while playing starters' minutes off the bench. His playmaking, shooting, and defense would fit their needs and help them make a playoff push.
Ultimately, the Celtics need to make moves to shed salary this summer. While they would surely like to keep together. They may be forced to move White, and the proposed deal with the Spurs would give them the perfect opportunity to do so.