The Celtics are saved $5.8 million by White and Smith.
Boston is motivated by two goals: to offer varied depth and to create financial flexibility. Despite being a prolific scorer, Simons’ $27.68 million contract is a major financial burden for a franchise that is frantically trying to avoid luxury tax thresholds. In contrast, White and Smith would only cost $21.89 million for the entire season, providing the Celtics with instant relief and saving them about $5.8 million.
If Chicago is concerned about the cost of White’s extension, then the deal makes sense from their point of view. The Bulls would buy Simons’ larger expiring contract at $27.68 million instead of risking losing White for nothing in free agency. This would give them more cap relief next summer without having to make the tough choice of whether to pay White his long-term market value.
Regarding the possible agreement, Greenberg said: “Why wouldn’t CHI want a higher salary expiring player if they don’t want to extend him?”
Boston Has Two Strategic Routes
The flexibility this transaction gives the Celtics’ front office is what makes it so attractive. Boston would be able to optimize value in two different ways:
First Choice: Flip and Save
Keep Smith as frontcourt insurance and deal White to a team that is below the tax line at the deadline or into a team’s trade exception. This strategy preserves roster flexibility while giving priority to urgent financial relief.
Option 2: Extend and Build If the price fits Boston’s long-term goals, extend White and trade Smith into a team’s non-taxpayer mid-level exception. The goal of this approach is to capitalize on White’s developing two-way talent.
Either route may help Boston get closer to avoiding the luxury tax penalties, which would be very beneficial for a front office trying to start over financially while maintaining its competitiveness.
White’s Role in the Celtics’ System
White is the gem of this possible deal, even though Smith provides important depth in the frontcourt. The 25-year-old guard, who shot 37.0% from three last season and averaged 20.4 points and 4.5 assists, has emerged as a reliable scorer.
Joe Mazzulla’s system would optimize White’s adaptability. He is a perfect match for Boston since he can play both guard positions, create his own shots, and defend. More significantly, when Jayson Tatum returns, White’s age of 25 might be ideal for the Celtics’ upcoming championship window.
What Happens Next?
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The reasoning behind this suggested deal is obvious, even though the move may not happen: Chicago avoids losing an asset for nothing and receives further cap relief, while Boston obtains financial flexibility and adds White, who is a natural match for the system.
This social media trade proposal demonstrates the kind of innovative strategy Boston may need to employ if they wish to balance their books and remain in the championship during a summer marked by priorities for wage reduction.
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