The Spurs traded guard Derrick White to the Celtics. (Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports)
The Boston Celtics were extremely active at the trade deadline, including giving up multiple players and picks for Derrick White from the Spurs.
It was a busy NBA Trade deadline on Thursday with the Celtics and Spurs doing their part to keep the surprises coming.
Seemingly out of nowhere, San Antonio agreed to send guard Derrick White to Boston.
The deal will no doubt be examined more closely as the rest of the season and the draft process proceeds but here are some initial impressions.
Who won the Derrick White Spurs-Celtics trade?
Celtics Get
Derrick White
Spurs Get
Josh Richardson
Romeo Langford
2022 1st Round Pick
2028 1st Round Pick Swap
Boston Celtics trade grade: B
In many ways, this trade was a win-win. The Celtics got help to try to fulfill their championship aspirations and the Spurs got assets to better their rebuild. And White gets to play for a contender.
White is a two-way guard who will bring relentless effort and energy to Boston. His defense is no-joke and he can contribute offensively as well.
Was the price too steep? Boston gave up their first-round pick for 2022 and two players for a role player averaging 14.4 points and a career-high 5.6 assists this season.
Having said that, the Celtics got better through this trade with a player who is better than his stats and has familiarity with Boston’s roster and coaching staff.
San Antonio Spurs trade grade: A
White wasn’t going to lead the Spurs back to the top of the Western Conference any time soon. Even though he was valued in San Antonio, the return had to be too much to pass up.
The Spurs now have three first-round picks in 2022 and room to work with on the contract front.
Fans won’t celebrate saying goodbye to White but the future looks that much brighter with this trade setting up exciting additions to come.