Celtics reassure about Jaylen Brown and Derrick White’s future

While the Boston Celtics have undergone spectacular downsizing by trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, two pillars of the 2024 title, the franchise is reassuring about the future of Jaylen Brown and Derrick White. These two key players are not on the trading block, contrary to persistent rumors.

No serious discussions for Brown and White

Mike Zarren, Celtics’ vice president, wanted to put an end to speculation. « These two guys are really excellent NBA players, and there has never been anything close to a serious discussion about them, » assures the executive. « I don’t know where all these rumors come from, but these players are key elements of our team, and we’re lucky to have them with us. »

This clarification comes at a particular time for Boston. With the long-term injury of Jayson Tatum, who ruptured his right Achilles tendon during the conference semifinals against the New York Knicks, the team had to rethink its strategy. Brad Stevens, president of basketball operations, remains cautious about his star’s return: « We won’t set a timeline for him for a very long time. These are small steps for now. »

regardless of any moves the Celtics make tonight during the NBA draft, one thing is clear

Jaylen Brown and Derrick White should still be on the roster if the Celtics want to compete once Tatum is healthy ☘️ pic.twitter.com/jYGqkjCLQK

— Celtics Lead (@CelticsLead) June 25, 2025

$250 million in savings to regain flexibility

Trading Holiday to Portland and Porzingis to Atlanta will save the Celtics over $250 million in salaries and tax penalties. More crucially, these moves bring Boston below the « second apron » threshold, avoiding drastic penalties. « You can lose your future Draft picks. They can be frozen, then downgraded to the 30th position, » explains Zarren. « And there are all kinds of transactions you simply can’t make when you’re at the top of the salary grid. »

The franchise fully embraces this controlled rebuilding strategy. « There was a moment to seize, and I think we seized it. There’s a banner that will be there forever because of that, and now we’re working for the next one, » concludes the executive, who doesn’t completely rule out other moves if interesting offers come up.