Celtics NBA champion tagged as Mavericks dream trade target

The money would be difficult to match, but this would be a good fit in Dallas.

Dec 14, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla talks with guard Jaylen Brown (7) and guard Derrick White (9) from the sideline as they take on the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images

The Dallas Mavericks are in search of a point guard to fill in while Kyrie Irving recovers from tearing his left ACL in March. They only have Jaden Hardy and Brandon Williams as guards under contract for next season, which will not be good enough for a team hoping to contend for a championship next season.

Dallas has been connected to guards like Lonzo Ball and Jrue Holiday, but there's a different recent NBA champion that Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report believes would be a "dream" trade target.

READ MORE: Mavericks looking to acquire guard connected to Anthony Davis

May 14, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) in the first half during game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images | Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

Derrick White to Dallas?

Swartz listed Derrick White as one of his dream trade targets for Dallas, and he would be a good fit with the Mavs.

"Landing the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft has completely changed the course of the Dallas Mavericks, a team that should select and keep Cooper Flagg while still being aggressive in improving the roster around Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving.

"[White is a combo guard] who would begin the year at point guard while Irving recovers from a torn ACL and then slide to shooting guard when he returns, hopefully in January."

The Celtics had a lot of success with Derrick White playing both guard spots, as his improvements from the three-point line fit their system perfectly. He can play on or off the ball, something that would matter once Irving returns to the court.

The salary may be hard to match, though. White is set to make $28.1 million next season, and Boston is over the second tax apron so they can't take back more salary than they send out. It could be something like White for P.J. Washington, Caleb Martin, and Dwight Powell, with the Celtics likely re-routing Powell somewhere else to get the tax savings. Draft compensation would also likely have to be sent out for the Celtics to accept that, though.

READ MORE: Disgruntled $194 million superstar named Mavericks 'dream' trade target

Stick with MavericksGameday for more FREE coverage of the Dallas Mavericks throughout the offseason

Follow MavericksGameday on Twitter and Austin Veazey on Twitter

More Dallas Mavericks News

• Mavericks land first overall pick in 2025 NBA Draft

• Mavericks linked with Lakers on trade to reunite Luka Doncic with $40 million center

• Mavericks make multiple staff changes after tumultuous season

• Duke star Cooper Flagg reacts to Mavericks landing first pick in 2025 NBA Draft