The Boston Celtics have faced several challenges this offseason. From injuries to roster shake-ups, the Celtics are no longer the championship-caliber team they were only two years ago.
As the second apron looms over Boston, the team has had to make some difficult decisions to shed salary. This resulted in a methodical approach involving trading and signing for low-cost contracts with high value.
In doing so, the Celtics acquired a talented young guard in Anfernee Simons. Unfortunately, still above the second apron, Boston has been exploring ways to offload Simons’ contract to gain financial flexibility.
While this is a solid approach, it doesn’t bring them closer to returning to championship form. Instead, we present a different approach, one that could help them return to contention as quickly as possible.
Proposed Trade Details
Boston Celtics Receive: Jonathan Kuminga
Golden State Warriors Receive: Derrick White, 2031 first-round pick
In a surprising move, the Celtics could opt to offload Derrick White and a first-round pick in 2031 to acquire a forward with star potential.
Why Do The Warriors Do This Deal?
Jonathan Kuminga has generated a lot of buzz in the offseason. As a restricted free agent, the avenues to sign Kuminga have been limited. But considering the kind of leverage he holds over the Golden State Warriors and their future moves this offseason, it appears that the forward has complete control over where he would like to go.
The Warriors’ best offer to Kuminga is known, but the Celtics could potentially offer a better package. By presenting a potential deal in the range of three years, $60 million, with a player-option in the final year, Boston could also generate some intrigue from the forward.
The Warriors have indicated their list of demands for Kuminga. Although teams like the Sacramento Kings and the Phoenix Suns have presented relevant offers, Golden State hasn’t been intrigued by them.
In this regard, an offer of this nature from the Celtics could be of interest to the Warriors.
Derrick White has been on Golden State’s radar this offseason. He played a vital role in Boston’s title charge, emerging as a significant contributor for the team when called upon.
White’s playing style would allow him to fit right in with the Warriors. His perimeter shooting ability, defensive upside, and off-ball movement all present valid cases for him to be successful in a Warriors jersey.
Last season, he continued to be a starter for Boston. He put up an average of 16.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists, while shooting 44.2% from the field and 38.2% from three-point range. His two selections to the All-Defensive team also add to his reputation as a two-way threat.
Parting ways with Kuminga would allow Golden State to begin the process of completing its remaining roster moves. This would allow the team to make the necessary signings to improve their roster strength.
Can Celtics Return To Title-Contending Shape?
As beneficial as this deal is for the Warriors, it has greater significance for the Celtics. The arrival of Kuminga puts the Celtics back on the championship timeline.
With Kuminga’s estimated annual cap hit of $20 million, the Celtics would successfully shed $8 million in salary by trading White. While this could weaken their perimeter defense, Boston will need to take such a risk.
The 22-year-old forward boasts immense talent and physical tools. His length, athleticism, and other natural qualities only complement his offensive skill set and defensive potential.
In a more prominent role, Kuminga has demonstrated that he is capable of producing effective results on offense. In this regard, his averages of 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game are modest numbers that may not fully reflect his on-court impact.
Kuminga’s arrival also signals a resurgence for the Celtics. With Jayson Tatum out of the rotation, the 22-year-old would join the starting lineup with Celtics star Jaylen Brown, along with Anfernee Simons and Payton Pritchard. This could prove to be a very potent offensive rotation.
Kuminga’s defensive upside is relatively untapped, which many consider to be a shortcoming on his end. But given the physical tools at his disposal, and in the right environment, the forward could emerge as a very serviceable defender, too.
His development over the next season sets up the Celtics’ 2026-27 campaign with Tatum back in action. If Tatum continues progressing in his recovery, there is a likelihood that he could join the team later in the season itself.
With a lineup featuring Tatum, Brown, Simons, and Kuminga, Boston could be on the path to title glory. Whether it is this season or the next, the Celtics will need to make the necessary moves to surround this core unit with talent.
