Celtics Trade Deadline Outlook: Who Are Boston’s Most Valuable Trade Chips?
We’re officially in the thick of NBA trade season, and with 50 days left until the deadline, all eyes are on the Boston Celtics - not just for what they’ve built, but for what moves they might still make. President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens isn’t tipping his hand, but he’s also not ruling anything out.
“We will not put a ceiling on this group,” Stevens said when asked about potential trade activity. “If it makes sense for us to look for things that can help us, we certainly will. But it all has to be within good deals.”
That’s classic Stevens - pragmatic, measured, and always looking at the long-term health of the roster. But make no mistake: Boston isn’t just sitting on the sidelines. Whether they’re buyers or sellers remains to be seen, but if they do decide to make a move, they’ve got some intriguing trade chips on the table.
Let’s break down the three players currently generating the most buzz as potential trade assets: Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, and Jordan Walsh.
1. Derrick White: The Crown Jewel of Boston’s Trade Assets
If the Celtics are serious about retooling or replenishing future draft capital, Derrick White is the name that gets opposing GMs on the phone. He’s not just a solid two-way guard - he’s a legitimate difference-maker, the kind of player who impacts winning on both ends of the floor.
White’s perimeter defense, basketball IQ, and ability to play on or off the ball make him a seamless fit in almost any system. And with his contract still team-friendly relative to his production, teams looking for a playoff-ready guard would be lining up. According to league chatter, Boston could fetch multiple first-round picks if they were willing to part with him.
But that’s a big “if.” White has been a key part of this team’s identity.
Trading him would be less about sending out a role player and more about shaking the core. That’s not a move you make lightly - not with championship aspirations still very much alive in Boston.
2. Payton Pritchard: Underrated, Under Contract, and On the Radar
Pritchard might not have the flashiest resume, but his value lies in his versatility and cost control. He’s under contract through 2027-28 and won’t come close to taking up five percent of the salary cap during that stretch - a dream scenario in today’s financial landscape.
On the court, he brings a potent mix of outside shooting, steady ball-handling, relentless rebounding for his size, and a defensive motor that doesn’t quit. He’s the kind of player playoff teams love to stash on the bench - someone who can give you 15-20 hard-nosed minutes without disrupting chemistry.
He may not headline a blockbuster, but Pritchard could be a key piece in a multi-team deal or a sweetener that pushes a trade across the finish line. First-round equity isn’t out of the question here, especially if a team sees him as a long-term rotation piece.
3. Jordan Walsh: The Prospect with Upside and Grit
While some expected Sam Hauser or Anfernee Simons to be the names floated in trade talks, it’s rookie Jordan Walsh who’s turning heads. He’s not just riding the bench - he’s earning minutes with hustle, energy, and a willingness to do the dirty work.
Walsh’s appeal lies in his defensive versatility. He can guard multiple positions, crash the boards, and has shown flashes of a developing outside shot.
He’s still raw, but the tools are there. For teams looking to invest in a high-upside, low-cost wing, Walsh is the kind of player who could headline a deal centered around youth and potential.
His trajectory feels similar to the kind of player who thrives in a system with patience - but if Boston decides to go all-in for a veteran contributor, Walsh could be the price they’re willing to pay.
Notably Absent: Hauser and Simons
What’s interesting is who didn’t make the list. Sam Hauser, once considered a prime trade chip, has seen his stock dip a bit due to inconsistent shooting and a smaller role than anticipated. Anfernee Simons, another name floated earlier in the season, wasn’t mentioned either - perhaps a sign that the Celtics value his skillset too much to move him, or that he’s simply not drawing the same level of interest at the moment.
The Bottom Line
Boston’s front office isn’t in panic mode - far from it. They’ve built a roster that’s deep, talented, and flexible.
But with the trade deadline looming, they’ve also got decisions to make. Whether they choose to add a piece, retool for the future, or stand pat, the Celtics have valuable assets in play.
Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, and Jordan Walsh each bring something different to the table - and in a league where fit, contract value, and upside matter just as much as production, that makes them three names to watch as the deadline draws closer.
The Celtics aren’t putting a ceiling on this group. And that means anything - and anyone - could be in play.