Trading Derrick White from the Boston Celtics' perspective just doesn't make sense. However, that hasn't changed the fact that some believe he could be dealt.
That includes a recent trade proposal from Sports Illustrated, sending him to the Los Angeles Lakers for a decent return.
The trade would net two first-round picks, but similar to the Celtics, it's tough to see a scenario where the Lakers will be that bad in the near future, even if things go as poorly as they can, meaning the picks might not be great.
MORE: Insider details roadblock in ex-Celtics big man's free agency decision
Lakers Receive: Derrick White, Neemias Queta, Jordan Walsh
Celtics Receive: Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, Maxi Kleber, 2030 first-round pick, 2031 first-round pick
“Even if Tatum were healthy this season, I’m not so sure Boston has enough firepower as currently constructed to outpace the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference.
“Boston has reportedly been eyeing a return similar to what Brooklyn got for Mikal Bridges — but that might be hard to come by. This package offers both present-day role players and long-term flexibility. With LeBron James likely out of the league by 2030, those future firsts could become golden lottery tickets. Nobody knows what the Lakers will look like in five years — but betting on regression post-LeBron isn't exactly a gamble,” he wrote.
There are some questions in the comments from Sports Illustrated, including the fact that if Jayson Tatum were healthy, Boston wouldn't have a chance, as that's been completely false over the past few years.
If anything, the Celtics might be the best team in the NBA when everyone is healthy, despite a below-average series against the New York Knicks a year ago before Tatum went down.
Regarding White, however, one could strongly argue that he's the best role player in the NBA and does exactly what the Celtics need.
There's absolutely no reason to move on from a player who does what he does.