Celtics' Derrick White Reflects on Trade Deadline Moves

Point guard opens up about the human impact of teammates being traded away.

Feb. 18, 2026 at 9:31pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Boston Celtics point guard Derrick White discussed the emotional toll of the NBA trade deadline, highlighting the personal connections players build with teammates who are then traded to other teams. White expressed respect and appreciation for players like Anfernee Simons, Xavier Tillman Sr., Chris Boucher, and Josh Minott, who were moved at the deadline, noting the difficulty of seeing them depart despite the business realities of the sport.

Why it matters

The NBA trade deadline is an exciting time for fans, but it can be disruptive and emotional for the players involved. White's comments shed light on the human side of these transactions, reminding us that professional athletes form meaningful bonds with their teammates that are severed when trades occur.

The details

In a recent episode of his "White Noise" podcast, Derrick White opened up about how the Celtics' trade deadline moves impacted him personally. He expressed respect and appreciation for players like Anfernee Simons, Xavier Tillman Sr., Chris Boucher, and Josh Minott, who were traded away, noting the difficulty of seeing them depart despite the business realities of the sport. White highlighted the personal connections players build with their teammates and the disruption that occurs when those relationships are broken up due to trades.

  • The 2026 NBA trade deadline occurred in February 2026.

The players

Derrick White

A point guard for the Boston Celtics who opened up about the emotional impact of the team's trade deadline moves.

Anfernee Simons

A player who was traded away by the Celtics at the 2026 trade deadline.

Xavier Tillman Sr.

A player who was traded away by the Celtics at the 2026 trade deadline.

Chris Boucher

A player who was traded away by the Celtics at the 2026 trade deadline.

Josh Minott

A player who was traded away by the Celtics at the 2026 trade deadline.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“(Tillman) has been here for a few years, (we) won a championship with him. Great guy, great attitude. He's always been uplifting, supporting even if he didn't play, so I've got a lot of respect for him.”

— Derrick White, Boston Celtics Point Guard (White Noise Podcast)

“(Simons) comes in and doesn't know his role, trying to figure it out and just bought into everything we asked him to do. And (he) was unbelievable for us and especially these last like few weeks, helped us win a lot of games and he's the only guy I've got a lot of respect for that just comes in and just does what he needs to do. It's tough to see him go. And then obviously, Josh (Minott), Chris (Boucher).”

— Derrick White, Boston Celtics Point Guard (White Noise Podcast)

“(...) Just came in, too, like, this first year, and those are guys that you spend time with in a locker room, you're having a great time with them and so you just wish them the best luck in their next city.”

— Derrick White, Boston Celtics Point Guard (White Noise Podcast)

The takeaway

Derrick White's comments highlight the human side of professional sports, reminding us that even as fans we should remember the personal connections and relationships that players form with their teammates. The trade deadline, while exciting for fans, can be disruptive and emotional for the players involved as they navigate the business realities of the NBA.