Celtics Reject Massive Trade Offer for Elite Guard Derrick White, Sending Clear Message About Championship Core
BOSTON, MA — July 22, 2025
In a bold and defining moment for their offseason strategy, the Boston Celtics have officially rejected a blockbuster trade offer from the Dallas Mavericks centered around elite guard Derrick White, according to multiple league sources. The offer, reportedly one of the largest for a non-All-Star guard in recent memory, included two future first-round picks, All-Rookie wing Jordan Cartwright, and veteran sharpshooter Dorian Finney-Smith.
Boston’s decision to turn it down sent a resounding message: they are not breaking up their championship core — not now, not for anything.
The Offer That Shocked the League
Dallas, still reeling from a second-round playoff exit, had been aggressively shopping packages in hopes of acquiring a two-way guard who could defend at a high level and manage the floor alongside Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. League insiders revealed the Mavs’ front office targeted White as their top priority after missing out on Jrue Holiday in last year’s trade frenzy — ironically, another Celtic.
The offer was structured around:
2027 and 2029 unprotected first-round picks
Jordan Cartwright, the 6’7” defensive phenom who made waves at Summer League
Dorian Finney-Smith, a reliable 3-and-D veteran
Cap filler to match White’s $20 million contract
To most franchises, it would’ve been an immediate yes. But not Boston.
Why Boston Said No
Sources close to Celtics President Brad Stevens and Head Coach Joe Mazzulla confirmed the organization’s unanimous decision to retain White, citing his value not only in statistics, but in chemistry, culture, and playoff performance.
> “Derrick White is the connective tissue of this team,” one Celtics executive told ESPN. “He defends every position, makes the right play, and elevates everyone around him. You don’t trade glue — you build with it.”
White, 31, is coming off a career-best season in which he averaged 15.2 points, 5.4 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game — the highest for a guard in the league — while shooting 40% from three and earning First-Team All-Defense honors. In the 2024 NBA Finals, he was pivotal in closing out games, hitting clutch shots and neutralizing opposing stars.
Locker Room Loyalty
Celtics stars Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and newly-signed phenom Ezekiel Ajayi were all reportedly consulted before the decision. All three strongly supported keeping White.
Tatum said in a private team meeting:
> “We don’t win without D-White. Period.”
Ajayi added on social media shortly after the trade was declined:
> “The smartest play Boston made this summer was the one they didn’t make.”
What This Means Moving Forward
Boston’s rejection of the Dallas offer solidifies their commitment to defending their 2024 championship with continuity and trust in their roster. With Tatum recovering from a minor offseason procedure, and Ajayi taking Summer League by storm, the team appears poised for another deep run — and Derrick White remains central to that mission.
Meanwhile, Dallas will have to shift gears quickly, with other backcourt options such as Tyus Jones and Malcolm Brogdon drawing interest. But it’s clear their top choice is off the table.
FINAL TAKE
In an era where stars are traded like commodities and loyalty is rare, the Celtics drew a firm line in the sand: some players are simply untouchable. Derrick White, it turns out, is one of them.
And in Boston, that says more about winning than any trade ever could.
