​When considering the swirl of emotions that accompanies a trade to a new NBA team, Derrick White, the Boston Celtics point guard and a Colorado native, knows that landscape all too well. The news that Boston’s front office had decided to move on from his wing teammate Jaylen Brown on July 1 hit him in a very personal way. White explained during an interview at the Las Vegas Summer League, relayed by CLNS Media, that he was at home when the information reached him—perhaps his wife was the first to break it to him. “Obviously, it’s tough to see someone get traded,” he said, reflecting on the moment. “JB’s been an amazing teammate, an amazing friend of mine, and he welcomed me when I got traded to Boston, so I’m always thankful for the time that I spent with JB.”
The trade news arrived against a backdrop of a high-stakes season and a city that had come to know White as a constant on the floor. For White, who wears the Celtics’ number nine, the heartbreak of seeing a close teammate depart is tempered by the reality of the professional NBA—where roster moves are part of the business, even when they involve someone with whom he shared significant on-court chemistry. “It’s obviously always tough to get traded,” he acknowledged, recognizing the emotional toll such a decision can take on players, coaches, and a locker room that has built bonds over the course of a season or more. He also pointed to the flip side of the ledger—his own experiences when trades have affected teams he’s played against, such as during a playoff series where opponents were formidable. “But also getting [Paul George] … he was playing, so he killed us the whole series, it felt like. So it’s a mix of emotions, I guess. But sad to see him go,” White added, highlighting the complex mix of pride, respect, and sadness that can accompany a high-profile roster change.
As he navigates the offseason, White remains focused on his personal development and his goals for the next chapter of his career. “Honestly, I wanted to attack the summer and get better … I don’t think I played that great last year, so I think that’s what I’ve been focusing on this whole summer,” he said. The transfer of Brown, while a significant shift for Boston’s roster, does not alter White’s approach: he remains committed to elevating his game and contributing at a high level for the Celtics.
Even as he contemplates the implications of Brown’s departure, White conveys a sense of gratitude for the time they shared. He notes that his principal reaction has been to reach out to Brown, to express thanks for what he contributed to his development and to the team’s dynamics since White joined Boston. “That hasn’t really changed with the trade, but obviously, I’ll just reach out to JB and tell him thank you for everything he did for me,” White said, underscoring the lasting bonds that can outlive a single season or roster shake-up.
White’s reflections reflect a broader truth within professional sports: the emotional landscape of a trade can be as complicated as the strategic calculus behind it. For a player who has already faced the pressures of adapting to a new team and culture, seeing a close colleague move on is a moment that invites both introspection and forward-thinking resolve. As White gears up for continued improvement this offseason, he carries with him memories of Brown’s impact and the mutual support that defined their time together—an acknowledgment that, even in the wake of change, the chance to grow and evolve remains a constant in the NBA.