The Boston Celtics have one of the deepest and most talented rosters in the NBA. They are favorites for their second title in a row. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, they are +200 to win the championship, while the second-best team, the OKC Thunder, are behind at +400.

There is no clear need for upgrades for the Celtics. Therefore, GM Brad Stevens will be in no rush to make deals before the February 6 trade deadline. However, the front office could be looking to save money.

The Celtics are the third most expensive team in the league this season and will have the highest payroll next season. They are in the second run-up to the new CBA and will need to reduce their payroll at some point in the next two seasons to avoid excessive tax burdens and fines.

As a result, we are seeing bogus trade proposals that allow the Celtics to do this. However, the latest statement from Colin Keane of The Sporting News would be a huge mistake. In the planned trade, the Celtics are transferring Derrick White to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski and Kevon Looney.

On paper, this can be seen as a great return for White. Podziemski and Kuminga are very good young players with great potential. Kuminga is an incredible athlete with solid tackling skills. Podziemski has shown intriguing playmaking ability and has the chance to be a top-notch guard for a long time. Looney is a proven winner who is a beast on the boards and in the paint.

Plus, the Celtics would be cheaper, at least for this season. This would be immediately negated by Boston having to give Kuminga a contract extension.

Due to the fact that White is, at best, the Celtics’ third-best player, his value to the team may be underrated. There simply aren’t many guards who can defend four positions, protect the rim, and hit 3.6 three-pointers per game while shooting nearly 40% from downtown. He is a near All-Star player with an All-Defense impact. Giving up on him because of little financial savings and unproven young players is a disastrous idea.

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Odds are updated regularly and are subject to change.