​LAS VEGAS — Derrick White said he was at home when he learned the Celtics had shockingly traded Jaylen Brown to the Sixers. It’s a decision that will be analyzed extensively in the years ahead and one that could reshape the franchise’s trajectory. Yet White’s immediate reaction centered on Brown’s impact on him since his arrival in Boston. He reached out to the five-time All-Star to express his gratitude for everything Brown did for him.
“Obviously, it’s tough to see someone get traded, and JB has been an incredible teammate and a great friend to me,” White said. “He welcomed me when I got traded to Boston. I’m always thankful for the time I spent with JB. It’s never easy to be traded, and I know how that feels. But also getting Paul George — it’s kind of like mixed emotions. It’s sad to see him go, even as I recognize the basketball value he brings.” White joined the Celtics in February 2022 after leaving the Spurs, which means he has been Brown’s teammate for more than two seasons. Their time together included high points like the 2022 NBA Finals run and the 2024 NBA championship. Brown, at the time of the trade, had the longest tenure in Boston, having spent a decade with the Celtics.
In exchange for Brown, Boston received Paul George, two first-round picks, and two second-round picks. In the short term, George stands out as a veteran presence who can still contribute in meaningful playoff moments. White noted George’s impact in the first round against Boston last postseason, where he delivered a solid showing that underscored his value.
“When the ball goes up, whenever our first game is, everyone will expect us to win and want us to win,” White said. “We’ll carry the same mindset and expectations, and we’ll have to go out there and attack it.”
White’s performance this past season was a blend of highs and lows. His shooting numbers were a clear storyline, finishing the year at 39.4 percent from the floor and 32.7 percent from three, marking a noticeable dip from his best shooting seasons. He also faced significant challenges in the first round against the Sixers, where his shot faltered. Nonetheless, he earned First Team All-Defensive honors for the first time in his career, underscoring his value on the defensive end and his rising importance to the Celtics’ lineup.
Looking ahead to next season, Boston will move forward without Brown, and White will be counted on to shoulder even greater responsibilities. He spoke candidly about wanting to enter the offseason with a sharpened mindset after what he viewed as a subpar season, stressing his determination to improve.
“I just wanted to attack the summer and get better,” White said. “I don’t think I played that great last year. I think that’s what I’ve been focusing on this whole summer. So that hasn’t really changed with the trade.”
As Boston plots its path in a post-Brown era, White’s commitment to personal improvement and the organization’s renewed focus will be under the microscope. The immediate future will test not only how he adapts to new pieces and higher expectations but also how the Celtics’ collective identity evolves without one of its longest-tenured stars. The franchise has a clear short-term objective: build cohesion around Jayson Tatum and the remaining core while integrating new pieces and maximizing their talents. The broader question remains how the trade will alter the team’s long-term competitiveness and whether the Celtics can sustain their championship window in the wake of this significant roster shake-up.