The Boston Celtics may have another major decision waiting for them after an offseason that has already dramatically changed the shape of the franchise.

After parting ways with Jaylen Brown in a blockbuster move that brought Paul George to Boston, attention is now turning toward another important member of the Celtics roster. Derrick White, one of the team’s most trusted and versatile players, could potentially find himself caught up in the franchise’s increasingly complicated financial situation.

That does not necessarily mean Boston is actively shopping White right now.

But the possibility of a future trade has become much harder to dismiss.

White has established himself as one of the most valuable pieces of the Celtics’ rotation over the past several seasons. He provides perimeter defense, intelligent playmaking, reliable decision-making and leadership without needing to dominate the basketball.

However, the financial realities facing Boston could eventually force the organization into some extremely uncomfortable choices.

Derrick White’s contract could become the problem

The concern surrounding White is not primarily about his ability.

In fact, it is almost the opposite.

His importance to Boston makes the situation even more complicated because the Celtics could be forced to consider sacrificing a player they genuinely value simply because of the cost attached to maintaining the roster.

Sports Illustrated’s John Karalis recently raised the possibility, pointing toward White’s age, contract and shooting numbers as reasons Boston may eventually have to examine every option.

White is 32 and is entering a contract worth more than $30 million annually. At the same time, his shooting efficiency dipped last season.

That combination becomes particularly significant when the NBA’s second-apron restrictions are taken into consideration.

Boston cannot simply keep every expensive player and ignore the financial consequences.

And that is where White’s future becomes an intriguing question.

Celtics would lose far more than a shooter

Trading White would undoubtedly create a major hole.

The veteran guard is much more than a three-point shooter. His defensive instincts allow him to guard multiple positions, while his ability to handle the ball gives Boston another reliable creator.

Last season, his importance increased even further after Jayson Tatum’s absence forced him into a larger offensive role.

White responded by averaging 16.5 points, 4.4 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game.

His shooting percentages were below his usual standards, with White converting 39.4% of his field-goal attempts and 32.7% from beyond the arc. However, his defensive production remained significant, including 1.1 steals and 1.3 blocks per game.

Those numbers help explain why the Celtics would probably prefer to keep him.

Karalis himself has made it clear that he holds White in exceptionally high regard, describing him as the kind of player coaches would love to have because of his ability to make the right play, defend, pass and contribute without demanding excessive attention.

That makes the possibility of a trade particularly uncomfortable.

Boston’s financial situation could force a difficult call

The Celtics’ biggest concern may ultimately have little to do with White’s performances.

It could come down to money.

Looking ahead to 2027, Boston faces an enormous financial commitment with Paul George and Jayson Tatum alone projected to account for approximately $119.2 million.

White’s $32.5 million salary would then become another major piece of an already expensive payroll.

Payton Pritchard’s future also needs to be considered, with the guard eligible for an extension.

Suddenly, Boston has several difficult decisions to make.

The Celtics could potentially move George if his player option comes into play, although his age and contract could make that complicated. They could also decide that retaining White is worth accepting a much larger luxury-tax burden.

Or, perhaps most painfully for Celtics supporters, they could eventually decide that White represents one of the more realistic contracts to move.

Should Boston really consider trading him?

From a basketball perspective, the answer appears straightforward: probably not.

White remains the type of player every contender wants. He can defend, facilitate, shoot, make smart decisions and play alongside other stars without disrupting the offense.

Replacing that combination would not be easy.

However, NBA roster construction is no longer simply about finding the best five players. The salary cap, second-apron restrictions and long-term financial commitments can determine which players a contender is actually able to keep.

That is why the Celtics’ situation deserves attention.

The organization has already demonstrated this offseason that no player’s future should necessarily be considered completely untouchable.

For now, there is no indication that White is guaranteed to be traded.

But if Boston’s financial pressures continue to intensify, the veteran guard could become one of the names discussed when the Celtics begin examining their options.

And that is what makes this situation so fascinating.

Derrick White may be one of Boston’s most valuable players — yet the very contract that reflects his importance could eventually make him one of the most difficult players for the Celtics to keep.