A proposed three-team blockbuster trade between the Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, and Brooklyn Nets could completely shift the power balance in the Western Conference, with the Mavericks emerging as serious championship contenders.
The deal is centered around Derrick White, the defensive-minded guard who played a vital role in Boston’s 2024–25 title run, and who now could become the final piece in Dallas’ superteam puzzle.
Boston Celtics Recieve: Daniel Gafford (via Mavericks), Max Christie (via Mavericks), 2029 Los Angeles Lakers first-round pick (via Mavericks), 2030 Dallas Mavericks first-round pick (via Mavericks), 2026 Brooklyn Nets second-round pick (via Nets), 2030 Philadelphia 76ers second-round pick (via Mavericks)
Dallas Mavericks Receive: Derrick White (via Celtics)
Brooklyn Nets Recieve: Jaden Hardy (via Mavericks)
The Celtics Continue To Cut Costs
The Celtics have already made it clear they are entering cost-cutting mode after their championship run, having shed more than $300 million in future salary and luxury tax obligations.
Their recent trade of Georges Niang saved them $42.7 million, and this deal allows them to continue trimming expenses while still bringing in young, serviceable talent and valuable picks.
Derrick White’s value is undeniable; he averaged 16.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game last season while shooting 38.4% from deep.
But Boston has depth at the guard spot, and with Anfernee Simons and Payton Pritchard, they can afford to offload White, especially when the return includes Max Christie, who has upside, and Daniel Gafford, who provides interior presence and rim protection.
In addition, collecting two first-round picks, including one from the Lakers in 2029, gives Boston ammo for future trades or a possible retool once Jayson Tatum comes back. It’s a strategic cap-saving move that doesn’t completely sacrifice competitiveness in the short term.
This Makes Dallas A Serious Title Threat
This trade is all about the Mavericks going all in. Adding Derrick White to a core of Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, Cooper Flagg, and a reshaped supporting cast could elevate Dallas into the top tier of Western Conference contenders. White brings elite perimeter defense, proven postseason experience, and two-way consistency, all crucial traits for a team trying to survive the brutal West.
White is a perfect complement to both Kyrie and Flagg. If Kyrie returns healthy before the playoffs, Dallas would boast one of the most formidable backcourts in the league.
With White handling defensive assignments and playing off the ball, Kyrie would have more offensive freedom. Add Anthony Davis’ interior dominance and Flagg’s all-around brilliance, and this roster becomes terrifying.
The Mavericks do give up a lot: Gafford, Christie, two firsts, and Hardy, but all in the name of a win-now push. Gafford had a strong year, averaging 12.3 points and 6.8 rebounds on an incredible 70.2% from the field, and Max Christie looked promising post-trade with 11.2 points and 4.2 rebounds per game while hitting 36.4% from three.
But in this league, stars win titles, and White fits the bill as a high-impact player who raises your playoff ceiling.
The Nets Get A Young Guard
The Nets’ role in this deal is smaller, but they walk away with a solid asset in Jaden Hardy. The 22-year-old showed flashes last season with averages of 8.7 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists on 43.5% shooting from the field and nearly 39% from three.
Brooklyn is in the midst of a rebuild after the Durant-Irving era collapsed, and adding a promising young guard fits perfectly into their timeline.
Hardy has potential as a scoring sparkplug off the bench and could benefit from a larger role in Brooklyn’s system. The Nets don’t give up much in this deal, just a 2026 second-rounder, making it a low-risk, high-reward acquisition.
This Trade Idea Would Change The Dynamic In The West
Every team gets something meaningful out of this deal. Boston trims payroll and picks up future assets while still staying competitive. Brooklyn grabs a young scorer without giving up much.
And Dallas pushes all its chips to the center, forming a potential championship-level core around Davis, Irving, and White. If Kyrie stays healthy and Flagg delivers on his potential, this trade could be the spark that lights the Mavericks’ path to a Western Conference crown and possibly more.
