NBA free agency is finally upon us after witnessing the 2025 NBA Draft take place last week. The Toronto Raptors came away with Collin Murray-Boyles and Alijah Martin with the ninth and 39th picks in the draft, adding to an intriguing mix of talent.
Yet, before the Raptors moved forward with their newest direction, they reportedly made a trade offer to the Boston Celtics, who recently traded a pair of All-Stars.
According to The Ringer’s Zach Lowe, the Raptors made a “laughable” offer to the Celtics involving Derrick White, who may or may not be available.
“There were reports that the Raptors offered the No. 9 pick for Derrick White. I’m told that’s true, but that it happened a month and a half ago after Jayson Tatum got hurt, and Boston laughed at that offer and said, ‘We need way more than No. 9 for Derrick White.’”
Zach Lowe on Raptors’ trade offer for Derrick White
The Celtics’ previous moves to trade Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis were executed to shed the salaries of the two aging former All-Stars. Boston may no longer feel like it needs to further that effort, but if so, shedding White’s four-year, $118 million contract could make a lot of sense.
Yet, it’s clear that the Celtics won’t give White away for a small bounty, and that’s if he’s even available at all.
Plus, what do the Celtics want with a young prospect as opposed to a piece that they already know fits the locker room so well? It other words, it’s no surprise that the Celtics finally found a trade they wanted to say no to.
Related: 2025 NBA free agency bold predictions: Who’s signing where?
