The Toronto Raptors could be viewed as an underrated squad heading into next season. Featuring players such as Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley, the Raptors have a well-rounded rotation with a balance of youth and veteran depth.
Yet, they may not be viewed as a solid playoff team. This could be attributed to inconsistent performances, as well as depth issues. But these elements can be tackled and changed this offseason.
In an attempt to address some shortfalls in the Raptors’ roster strength, Sports Illustrated’s Ryan Shea presented a trade idea involving the Boston Celtics. Let’s take a closer look at the proposal.
Proposed Trade Details
Toronto Raptors Receive: Derrick White
Boston Celtics Receive: RJ Barrett, 2026 first-round pick, 2028 first-round pick
This is an interesting trade idea, as it could potentially satisfy the needs of both teams involved.
The addition of Derrick White could be huge for the Raptors. By parting ways with Barrett, Toronto creates a need for a shooting guard, and there are very few guards in the league who are as competent as White.
Since joining the Celtics, White has gradually emerged as one of the most prominent two-way players in the league. As capable as he is on the offensive end, commanding respect as a perimeter threat and playmaker, he is an equally potent defensive force, often drawing the toughest assignments.
Last season, he recorded an average of 16.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, while shooting 44.2% from the field and 38.4% from beyond the arc.
The 31-year-old has become an integral part of the Celtics’ rotation, solidifying his place in the starting lineup. With the experience of being a starter on a championship team, he would easily carve out a position for himself with the Raptors as well.
Paired with Immanuel Quickley in the backcourt, White would likely share playmaking duties with the Raptors guard. While also considering his defensive impact, he could be a solid anchor for the team alongside Scottie Barnes and Jakob Poeltl.
Aside from the tangible contributions, White brings necessary veteran leadership to the floor. When also factoring in his championship experience, the 31-year-old could be the ideal presence in the locker room for this young team, helping them cement their status as a playoff team.
This trade also has a lot of merit for the Celtics, who will effectively be undergoing a rebuild.
Having undertaken a huge salary-shedding exercise this offseason, Boston has had to be mindful of making deals. In this regard, acquiring a player like Barrett wouldn’t help them shed salary, but it would bring in valuable draft capital.
The addition of the 2026 and 2028 first-round picks will be invaluable for the Celtics, who are working towards building up their draft capital reserves again. With an outlook toward the future, Boston has shown a clear preference for such deals.
Acquiring Barrett also has its merits. Although he isn’t a defensive-minded player like White, the Raptors guard possesses a wide array of skills that could be viewed positively by the Celtics.
Apart from being a capable scorer, Barrett is an incredibly talented playmaker, a trait that was developed during his time at Duke. Although this hasn’t been explored as much in the NBA, joining the Celtics could present him with an opportunity to cultivate this skill further.
Paired with Anfernee Simons in the backcourt, Barrett would likely become the primary playmaker, given Simons’ inclination to score.
Due to his size, the 25-year-old could also slip into the frontcourt, primarily to address White’s absence. This would bring reigning 6MOY Payton Pritchard into the starting rotation.
In such a situation, the Celtics’ roster would be small, but the offensive potential is incredible. When considering Barrett’s averages of 21.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game from last season, he could become a solid contributor for the team, especially in Jayson Tatum‘s absence.
Barrett still has two years left on his contract. In this scenario, if he were to remain with the Celtics for the 2026-27 season as well, with a healthy roster, Boston could be back on track to be contenders.
The Celtics May Not Do This Trade
This trade certainly has merit for both teams involved. But when considering the Celtics’ stance on retaining White, it is clear that they would not do this deal.
White is too important to Boston’s system. Although there were rumors of a potential trade this offseason, the Celtics were quick to shut down such noise.
The upcoming season is primed to be more of a gap year for the Celtics. With this outlook, it would be unwise for them to offload all of their key rotation players in one go.
With Jayson Tatum due to return next season, if not earlier, Boston could return to title-contending form as soon as the 2026-27 season if they play their cards right.
