Celtics star Derrick White's future in Boston could be up in the air after cringeworthy 2026 playoff performance

© Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Derrick White was a major contributor during the regular season, as the C’s played most of it without Tatum. He averaged 16.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.3 blocks in 34 minutes per game. He also shot 39.4% from the field, and 32.7% from the arc.

It would be logical then that he would continue that level of contribution into the postseason. However, he hasn’t. So far this playoff run, White has averaged a measly 8.2 points on 29.8% from the field, and 21.2% from deep.

Normally White isn’t like this

Derrick White

© Peter Casey-Imagn Images

White usually is a key contributor in the playoffs, especially for Boston. From 2021-2025, White averaged 13.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and three assists on 44.7% from the field, and 39.5% from deep.

That reliable three-pointer was a back-breaker for other teams, and now that he isn’t hitting them, the C’s aren’t hitting their deep ball quota reliably to win games.

What White’s future could look like

Derrick White

© Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

If the Celtics somehow blow the 3-1 lead they amassed against Philly, White is probably going to be the first person they blame. While he isn’t the player he used to be, he’s still a great defender, and it seems he still does well in the regular season.

With that in mind, many teams might want to make a deal for him. Boston may have to eat some of his $118 million contract, but at this point, he’s hurting the Celtics more than he’s helping.

Hopefully, White has a bounce-back performance in Game 6, and Boston moves on and forgets his nasty start to the playoffs.

MORE NBA CONTENT

How the math of the three point line favors a Celtics bounce back in Game 3

Onyeka Okongwu is a top trade target to give the Celtics depth at center post-Nikola Vucevic

Jayson Tatum return makes Celtics Game 2 wake up call a tactical advantage