The Boston Celtics are reportedly considering a significant trade that would see three-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis join their roster in exchange for Derrick White, among other assets. This proposed deal, which has surfaced through trade speculation, aims to reshape both teams' lineups and financial commitments.
The trade framework, created using FanSpo's trade machine, involves sending White, along with Sam Hauser, Luka Garza, and a first-round pick in 2028, to the Sacramento Kings. In return, the Celtics would acquire Sabonis, a player known for his versatility and rebounding prowess.
However, this trade proposal is not without its complexities. It adheres to the league's salary-matching regulations but would impose a hard cap on both franchises at the first apron, leaving each team short of a complete 14-man roster. The first-round pick included in the deal is not a straightforward unprotected selection; it is tied to previous trades involving the Los Angeles Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers, acquired during the Jaylen Brown trade in July 2026.
Domantas Sabonis, who turned 30 this year, has a rich basketball heritage, being the son of Hall of Famer Arvydas Sabonis. He began his professional career in Spain before making his way to the NBA, where he has played for teams like the Orlando Magic, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Indiana Pacers, before being traded to Sacramento in February 2022 in exchange for Tyrese Haliburton. Throughout his career, Sabonis has averaged 16.1 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game, earning three All-Star selections and multiple rebounding titles.
Despite his impressive resume, Sabonis's recent performance has been marred by injury, including a left meniscus surgery in February 2026 that limited him to just 19 games that season. He is currently under contract for $45.472 million this season and $48.608 million in 2027-28, both fully guaranteed. Reports indicate that the Kings are not interested in extending his contract, making him a prime candidate for trade.
Derrick White, who joined the Celtics from the San Antonio Spurs during the 2022 trade deadline, has carved out a significant role in Boston. Last season, he averaged 16.5 points, 5.4 assists, and 1.3 blocks, and has been recognized for his defensive skills with three All-Defensive selections. White is under contract through a player option in the 2028-29 season, making him a valuable asset for any team.
In terms of salary implications, the trade would see Boston's outgoing salary of approximately $44 million slightly exceed Sabonis's $45.472 million, resulting in a modest increase in payroll. Both teams would end up above the tax line, with Boston carrying 12 standard contracts and Sacramento 13, leaving both teams short of the required 14-player roster.
In addition to White, the Kings would also receive Sam Hauser, who has become a reliable shooter since going undrafted in 2021, and Luka Garza, the 2021 national player of the year at Iowa. Hauser has a career three-point shooting percentage of 41.2% and played a crucial role in Boston's championship run in 2024, while Garza has shown promise with his scoring ability.
According to FanSpo's projections, the Celtics could lose two wins and significant production minutes with this trade, especially considering Sabonis's struggles from beyond the arc last season, where he shot just 18.5% from three-point range. The Celtics have built their recent success on strong perimeter shooting and versatile wings, and losing two of their key shooters could impact their strategy moving forward. On the other hand, the Kings, who finished the previous season with a disappointing 22-60 record, would benefit from shedding Sabonis's salary while adding three rotation players and a valuable draft asset.
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