Jaylen Brown and Derrick White on the Trade Block: Where Could They Land?

By Edcel Panganiban July 08, 2025 21:12

As the 2025 NBA offseason unfolds, rumors surrounding Boston Celtics stars Jaylen Brown and Derrick White have dominated headlines. Despite persistent trade speculation, the Celtics have firmly shut down talk of moving either player at least for now. Yet, the ongoing interest from multiple teams suggests that if the Celtics were to reconsider, several intriguing landing spots could emerge for these key contributors.

Boston’s front office, led by VP of basketball operations Mike Zarren, has repeatedly emphasized that neither Brown nor White is currently available. “Those two guys are really, really great NBA players, and there hasn’t been anything close to serious about trading them,” Zarren said following the 2025 NBA Draft. He laughed off rumors, adding, “I’m not sure where all this reporting came from, but those guys are key parts of our team and we’re lucky to have them here”.

The Celtics’ reluctance to part with Brown and White is understandable. With Jayson Tatum expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 season due to a ruptured Achilles tendon, Brown is poised to become Boston’s primary offensive weapon. Coach Brad Stevens echoed this sentiment, calling Brown and White “foundational pieces” of the organization and highlighting the group’s championship pedigree despite recent roster moves.

Still, the Celtics have been fielding significant trade interest, particularly from teams holding top-10 draft picks. ESPN insider Shams Charania reported that interest in Brown and White remains “certainly still coming,” though any trade would require a “very, very high price threshold.” The Utah Jazz reportedly made an aggressive push for Brown, while the Toronto Raptors expressed interest in White, even offering their No. 9 overall pick in the draft an offer Boston quickly dismissed as insufficient.

Boston’s asking price for Derrick White has been described as historic. According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Celtics sought a package comparable to the Brooklyn Nets’ blockbuster trade for Mikal Bridges in 2024, which included multiple first-round picks and young talent. Such a haul proved elusive, and no serious deals materialized. White, a two-time All-Defensive Team member and a versatile guard averaging 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists last season, remains a prized asset.

Where could Brown and White realistically land if the Celtics decide to trade them?

Jaylen Brown’s blend of athleticism, scoring ability, and defensive versatility makes him an attractive target for playoff contenders looking to bolster wing depth. Teams like the Utah Jazz, who have shown interest, could use Brown’s scoring punch alongside their developing core. The Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat, both aiming to contend in the loaded Eastern and Western Conferences, might also be potential suitors given their need for a two-way wing.

Derrick White, known for his defensive tenacity and playmaking, fits well with teams emphasizing guard depth and perimeter defense. The Toronto Raptors’ interest aligns with their long-term asset accumulation strategy, while the Golden State Warriors have reportedly eyed White as a potential fit to complement their core, valuing his ability to defend multiple positions and facilitate the offense.

Despite the trade chatter, Boston’s current stance is clear: they want to remain competitive during Tatum’s absence and maintain a strong foundation for his eventual return. The recent trades of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis were aimed at salary cap flexibility, but moving Brown or White would signal a more drastic rebuild, which the Celtics appear reluctant to pursue.

While Jaylen Brown and Derrick White remain among the most sought-after players on the market, the Celtics’ high asking price and commitment to competitiveness make a trade unlikely in the immediate future. However, with ongoing interest from multiple teams and the fluid nature of NBA roster construction, their futures could still shift as the 2025-26 season approaches.