Jayson Tatum’s devastating Achilles tear has forced the Celtics to completely reshape their championship roster.
The All-NBA forward will miss the entire 2025-26 season, prompting Boston to make some painful decisions about their title-winning team.
Jrue Holiday was shipped to Portland while Kristaps Porzingis landed in Atlanta as the Celtics pivoted to a new strategy without their superstar.
According to league insider Jake Fischer, the Raptors made a serious push to acquire either Derrick White or Jrue Holiday before the 2025 draft, offering the ninth overall pick. But Boston made it clear White was firmly in their long-term plans, while Holiday was ultimately expendable.
The Celtics’ response to Toronto’s offer for White? They laughed it off.
“We need a lot more than that for Derrick White,” was Boston’s blunt response to the Raptors’ proposal, according to ESPN’s Zach Lowe.
Boston faced a brutal financial reality this offseason. Staying in the second tax apron made little sense with Tatum sidelined for the year. Had he been healthy, they might have bitten the bullet and paid the luxury tax to keep their championship core together.
The Raptors’ offer wasn’t just about the ninth pick. Toronto also wanted to dump RJ Barrett’s remaining two-year, $57.3 million contract on the Celtics.
That was a non-starter for Boston, who’ve been working hard to get out from under the tax apron.
Fischer revealed just how highly the Celtics value White. To pry him away, Toronto would have needed to offer a package similar to what teams paid for stars like Desmond Bane or Mikal Bridges.
With Tatum out, White is expected to take on a much bigger role in Boston’s offense next season.
The Raptors ultimately kept their pick and selected South Carolina’s Collin Murray-Boyles at number nine.
Meanwhile, another interesting possibility has emerged for the Celtics’ future. Damian Lillard, who was stretched and waived by the Bucks after suffering his own Achilles tear in the playoffs, could potentially join Boston for the 2026-27 season.
That would create a fascinating scenario when Tatum returns to full strength next year.
