If the Golden State Warriors are serious about making one final championship push in the twilight of Stephen Curry’s career, they may need to fix the one weakness that continues to hold them back.
Head coach Steve Kerr has rotated Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, and Buddy Hield alongside Curry in the backcourt to open the season. But according to Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz, there’s one ideal trade target who could immediately elevate Golden State’s two-way potential: Derrick White of the Boston Celtics.
“At 31, Derrick White isn’t exactly young anymore but would look like a spring chicken alongside Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green and Al Horford on these Golden State Warriors,” Swartz wrote.
Derrick White Seen as Ideal Defensive Partner for Curry
Swartz argued that White would be the perfect backcourt partner for a 38-year-old Curry, whose defensive intensity naturally can’t match his prime years.
“White would also be the perfect backcourt partner for a 38-year-old Curry who probably isn’t going to be giving All-Defensive efforts on a nightly basis at this stage of his career,” Swartz added.
A two-time NBA All-Defensive Second Team selection, White remains one of the league’s most versatile guards — capable of defending multiple positions and protecting the rim at an elite level. Swartz called him “perhaps the best shot-blocking guard we’ve seen since Dwyane Wade.”
In addition to defense, White brings efficient playmaking, three-point shooting, and championship experience — all invaluable traits for a Warriors team looking to squeeze out another deep playoff run from its veteran core.
White’s Role in Boston Could Be in Flux Amid Slow Start
White has started the new season averaging 20.0 points per game, but his efficiency has dipped as he’s shouldered a heavier offensive load following injuries to Jayson Tatum (Achilles) and the offseason departures of Al Horford, Kristaps Porziņģis and Jrue Holiday.
He’s shooting just 31.6% from the field and 29.2% from three, a sharp contrast to the 44.2% overall and 38.4% three-point mark he posted during Boston’s 2024 championship run.
The numbers suggest that White thrives best as a complementary player, not as a primary offensive hub — a role he could seamlessly resume in Golden State next to Curry, Butler and Green and his familiarity with Horford.
Celtics Have Set a High Bar for Trade Offers
Despite trade speculation, Boston has no immediate plans to move White.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Celtics would only consider a blockbuster return, comparable to the five-first-round-pick haul the New York Knicks gave up for Mikal Bridges.
In July, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reported that multiple teams offered two first-round picks and a swap for White, but Boston turned them down.
Celtics executive Mike Zarren directly addressed rumors involving White and Jaylen Brown, emphasizing both are core pieces of Boston’s roster.
“Those two guys are really, really great NBA players,” Zarren told reporters after the draft. “There hasn’t been anything close to serious about trading them.”
Why the Warriors Should Still Be Watching
If the Celtics continue to struggle, that could change — and the Warriors are one of the few teams equipped to pounce.
Golden State owns up to four tradable first-round picks and several matching contracts, including Jonathan Kuminga’s.
Kuminga, who re-signed on a two-year, $48.5 million deal with a team option, has been excellent early — averaging 15.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists on 55.2% shooting and 50% from deep.
Still, if the Warriors see White as the missing piece to reignite their championship window, the front office may face a difficult decision: keep building around Kuminga’s growth — or trade for the two-way guard who could maximize Curry’s remaining prime.
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