The Toronto Raptors could be eyeing a trade for Boston Celtics’ guard Derrick White.
The Raptors have emerged as a real suitor for White before the 2025 NBA Draft, according to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel:
“As part of unexpected discussions held with the Celtics this week, sources say the Raptors created an offer based around the ninth pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The expectation is that if Toronto was to swing a deal for White in the coming hours leading up to Wednesday’s draft, they would do so with the involvement of other teams as part of a larger, multi-team trade.”
The Celtics have gone through a total reset to get under the second apron after trading key championship pieces in Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis.
Boston is also taking incoming calls on Jaylen Brown and White, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
White is a tremendous 3-and-D player who was a big reason why the Celtics captured the 2024 NBA Championship.
He’s a terrific shooter and defender who’s in the prime of his career. He would serve as a great fit in a starting lineup with Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram with his ability to space the floor and defend at a high level.
The Raptors forking away the No. 9 pick in this situation would be significant, but the team is looking to be competitive next season.
The Celtics will be taking a step back with Jayson Tatum sidelined all of next season with an Achilles injury. Also, the Milwaukee Bucks won’t have Damian Lillard who also suffered an Achilles injury and the Indiana Pacers will be without Tyrese Haliburton who tore his Achilles as well. The opportunity is there for Toronto to try and compete.
The Raptors would likely have to include RJ Barrett in a deal like this as well for salary purposes. Toronto is reportedly shopping Barrett this summer.
A deal like this going down hours before the draft is unlikely, but it’s still worth monitoring.
Derik Queen projected to Raptors in Bleacher Report’s post-finals mock draft
If the Toronto Raptors do keep their pick, they could end up drafting a big man.
In ESPN’s latest mock draft, they have the Raptors taking Derik Queen from Maryland.
Have you subscribed to the Raptors Nation YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!
