With the Celtics likely looking to make some cost-cutting moves this summer, it seems very possible they'll explore trade options outside of their core duo of Tatum and Brown. While Porzingis and Holiday are both potentially movable pieces, each comes with limitations, Holiday is aging and on a shorter timeline, and KP has health concerns along with an expiring contract. That leaves Derrick White as perhaps the most attractive trade chip, even though Boston would probably prefer to keep him over the other two. Still, if the right offer comes in, they might have to consider it.
In this scenario, the Warriors build a trade package around Jonathan Kuminga. From the Warriors' side, White is a great fit, a high-level defender who brings shooting, versatility, and playoff experience.
While Kuminga doesn't really fit Boston's win-now timeline, he makes a lot more sense as part of a rebuild in Brooklyn alongside Cam Thomas and Moses Moody.
The Nets, in return, send Cameron Johnson to Boston, a playoff-ready, floor-spacing forward, along with a second-round pick. To complete the value, Golden State includes two additional second-round picks, giving Boston a total of three seconds in the deal. The Celtics gain financial flexibility by turning White’s contract into a smaller, shorter deal with Cam Johnson, while still remaining competitive on the court.
Of course, better offers for White could definitely emerge from other teams. But even so, would you pull the trigger if you were Boston?