Dub Hub: Warriors linked to Celtics’ Derrick White as potential trade target, per report

Rounding up all Warriors and NBA related news for Wednesday, May 21st.

In today’s Dub Hub:

• On an episode of The Zach Lowe Show, The Ringer’s Logan Murdock mentions Boston’s Derrick White as a potential trade target for the Warriors.
• Dwyane Wade criticizes Jimmy Butler’s lack of aggressivness against the Timberwolves during the Western Conference Semifinals.
• Thunder beat Timberwolves, 114-88, in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.

With the Golden State Warriors entering a pivotal offseason, names are already being floated as possible additions to help reshape the roster around their veteran core. According to The Ringer’s Logan Murdock, one name to watch is Boston Celtics guard Derrick White.

Appearing on an episode of The Zach Lowe Show, Murdock suggested that the Warriors could have their eye on the two-way guard as the Celtics weigh potential changes this summer.

Via The Zach Lowe Show:

“Another guy that I think you should look at for the Warriors going forward is Derrick White,” Murdock said. “A guy like that I think is something that the Warriors are looking at right now because Boston is expected in league circles to have some sort of fire sale or some sort of maybe reset… Just somebody that can play defense and kind of just settle everyone down. Especially when you have a young group like that, you need to settle them down in the non-Steph [Curry] minutes, so that’s something to figure out.”

White, a favorite of head coach Steve Kerr during his time with Team USA, would bring much-needed perimeter defense and another steady veteran presence to a Warriors team that often struggled with Curry off the floor. While Jimmy Butler helped stabilize those minutes, adding White could help share the burden.

The 30-year-old earned All-Defensive Second Team honors in both 2023 and 2024 and averaged 16.4 points per game on 38.3% shooting from the three-point line this past season in Boston.

Having said that, White is still highly regarded by the Celtics, having just signed a four-year $125 million extension last offseason. Whether the Celtics are truly prepared to shake up their core—especially in light of Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury and their current salary cap situation—remains to be seen. But if changes are coming, the Warriors could be in position to strike.

For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Wednesday, May 21st:

Warriors News:

Celtics trade rumors: Are Warriors a realistic Derrick White suitor? | NBC Sports Boston

In order for the salaries to match, the Celtics would need to take back roughly $28 million (or slightly less) worth of contracts from Golden State. A deal involving Buddy Hield, Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski would meet those requirements, but it’s unlikely the C’s would have interest in that package, especially if it means releasing two players from their current roster.

Dwyane Wade criticizes Jimmy Butler’s performance against the Timberwolves

Giannis remains intriguing, but Warriors seem committed to Butler | NBC Sports Bay Area

Please understand, it’s not that the Warriors wouldn’t love to have Antetokounmpo. They would. But the path to reach him, while not completely blocked, has enough barriers and requires enough retooling that Dunleavy and Kerr seem more comfortable with their current plan.

Butler’s name long had been on the big board in Dunleavy’s mind. With Jimmy’s divorce from the Miami Heat going from imminent to necessary for the safety of all parties, the price dropped, and the Warriors swooped in.

Butler was and is the Warriors’ big-game prey. Their finances – even as they contemplate Jonathan Kuminga’s future – make it difficult to make another such pursuit this summer. That is, unless they begin by parting with Green and the $25.9 million due to him next season, as well as his $27.7 million player option in 2026-27.

Nuggets’ Gordon cites Steph injury in plea to NBA over scheduling | NBC Sports Bay Area

“I think everybody could [benefit],” Gordon told reporters postgame on Sunday, before mentioning other derailing injuries to Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum and the Milwaukee Bucks’ Damian Lillard. “You saw it around the league: Steph with a hamstring, JT, Dame.

“There are guys all around the league suffering fatigue-based injuries because the games are just so closely stacked together. It would just be nice for one or two more rest days throughout the postseason, just so we can come back fresh and compete.

Steve Kerr reflects on Warriors’ practices with Steph Curry and Kevin Durant

NBA News:

Thunder defense stifles Wolves, dominates in Game 1 victory | ESPN

The Thunder, fueled by converting the Timberwolves’ 19 turnovers into 31 points, pulled away for a 114-88 win.

“We try to play to our identity,” said Oklahoma City superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who finished with 31 points despite going 2 of 13 from the floor in the first half. “We did a good job of that on defense. Our defense definitely gave us life early in the game and kept us in it.”

Which Door Will the Celtics Choose This Summer? | The Ringer

Which brings us to an admittedly wild option: Trade Brown to New Orleans for Zion Williamson, a 2026 pick swap with Milwaukee, and a Pelicans 2029 first, then waive Williamson before his July 15 guarantee date.

If this seems nuts to you, it should! Trading away a franchise player for a player as polarizing as Williamson, and then waiving him, is downright bananas. But part of me can’t help but think it might just be crazy enough to work.

That deal would save the Celtics the whole of Brown’s contract, drop them under the luxury tax, and give them valuable assets to retool the roster.

NBA announces results for the 2024-25 NBA All-Rookie Teams

In case you missed it at Golden State of Mind:

Wednesday discussion: What will happen to Jonathan Kuminga this offseason?

We know Lacob loves Kuminga, and I’m guessing they don’t find a sign-and-trade deal that moves the needle enough to justify punting on JK’s talent. And ultimately, they can always include him in a trade at the deadline if the first few months of the season don’t go well.

Follow @unstoppablebaby on Twitter for all the latest news on the Golden State Warriors.