Coming off a failed attempt to repeat as champions, the Boston Celtics find themselves in a tough position. With Jayson Tatum set to miss an extended period of time, the front office could consider dismantling the team’s expensive core. While there’s no telling how they’ll approach this summer, one insider doesn’t expect any key pieces to be on the way out.
Even before Tatum suffered his Achilles injury against the New York Knicks, there were countless rumors regarding the Celtics making trades this summer. As a new ownership group gets ready to take over, maintaining their high payroll might not be in the cards. This chatter has gotten even louder now as 2026 could potentially be a gap year for Boston.
On Thursday, NBA insider Shams Charania joined “The Pat McAfee Show” to discuss a range of topics across the league. Among the things they covered was the Celtics heading into this offseason. In light of Tatum’s injury, Charania cited that teams have been making trade calls regarding Jaylen Brown and Derrick White. However, he explained that it would take a massive offer for them to consider parting with either player.
“I’m sure teams are throwing crazy offers for guys like Jaylen Brown and Derrick White,” Charania said. “But, it’ll take a pretty insurmountable package to get those guys out of Boston.”
“I’m sure teams are throwing crazy offers for guys like Jaylen Brown and Derrick White..
It will take a pretty insurmountable package to get those guys out of Boston” ~ @ShamsCharania #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/Hx4LEX5biL
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 19, 2025
When it comes to changes this offseason, the Celtics should not entertain parting with Brown or White unless it’s an offer they simply can’t turn down. Both players are at their peak and can help Boston contend for the foreseeable future. Brown is only a year removed from winning Finals MVP with the Celtics, and White has emerged as one of the best role players in the league since joining Boston back in 2022.
Given their age and injury history, guys like Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday are far more likely trade candidates. Seeing that perimeter play is a pillar in the modern game, the Celtics don’t want to deplete their depth on the wing. Brown and White are two highly-skilled two-way talents and should be the primary pillars Boston builds around alongside Tatum.
