If the Celtics launch a big sale, the Warriors may acquire White

According to F/W contributor of US sports media Vishvisha Kumar. The Warriors set their sights on Derek White, with the goal of adding defensive versatility and shooting next season.

Amid Boston's growing uncertainty, the Golden State Warriors are turning their attention to a realistic goal, Derek White. Tatum is expected to miss most or all of the 2025-26 season due to a torn Achilles tendon, and the Celtics’ estimated $500 million payroll, league insiders believe Boston may be on the verge of a big sale. If that happens, the Golden State Warriors are ready to take a storm.

The Ringer's Logan Murdock appeared on The Lowe Post and said: "I think it's something the Warriors are trying to figure out. Someone, another guy who can hold the fortress, another guy I think you should focus on, for the future of the Warriors, is Derek White, that's the guy. I think that's what the Warriors are thinking about now because Boston is expected to have some sort of price cut deal in the league circle, right? But that's the guy you should focus on. He can play defense, and, it can make everyone settle down, especially when you have such a young team, you need to settle down, step in now. So it's something that needs to be clear."

White is finishing his best season of his career, averaging 16.4 points, 4.8 assists and 4.5 games per game. 38.4% from three-pointers and provides elite outside defense. At 6-foot-4 he is one of the league's premier two-way guards, plug-and-play almost seamlessly for any system, especially the Golden State system. The Warriors have long been looking for auxiliary creators and defenders who can thrive with Curry. White satisfies all of these conditions. While not a star like Butler or Durant, White brings the stability and adaptability that the Golden State Warriors desperately need.

Meanwhile, Boston faces serious financial decisions. With Tatum missing, Porzingis and Holiday are both potential trade candidates, and the Celtics may decide to sell one of their most attractive contracts to reset their financial position. White’s four-year $118 million contract will begin next season, which is quite considerable, but it makes sense for a two-time best defensive back at his peak.

The Golden State Warriors must take the initiative to complete this move. They don’t have many non-guaranteed contracts to help match salaries, but they do have several attractive assets: future first-round picks (starting in 2026), young talents like Kuminga, and expiration contracts for players like Looney or Moody. If the Celtics really want to control the second luxury tax line, it might be acceptable to accept draft capital and players like Kuminga while getting rid of White's deal.

From the perspective of the Golden State Warriors, joining White may be their best chance to win another championship from the Curry era. White's defensive versatility, shooting stability and off-ball offensive intentions make him an ideal backcourt partner, arguably Curry's best since his peak Klay Thompson. The Celtics' offseason decision will ultimately decide whether White is available. But don't be surprised if Boston presses the reset button, if White ends up in the Bay Area. Do you think White is suitable for the Warriors?