Derrick White Labeled as Bold Trade Option for the Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets have added a new player to their offseason trade considerations as they look to bolster their roster.
Facing a critical offseason, the Nuggets are in clear need of reinforcements to support their championship ambitions. With Nikola Jokic at the center of their success, the pressure is mounting to surround him with a stronger supporting cast and reopen their championship window.
A key detail that hasn’t garnered much attention is that the 2025-26 NBA season marks the second-to-last year Jokic is under guaranteed contract with Denver. He holds a player option for the 2027-28 season, meaning time is ticking for the front office to build another title contender.
There’s no immediate reason for panic, as Jokic hasn’t indicated any desire to leave. However, continuing to fall short of a title while having the world’s best player on the roster could raise concerns in the near future.
To improve their title chances, Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes recently floated Derrick White of the Boston Celtics as a compelling and aggressive trade target for Denver.
During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, NBA insider Shams Charania stated that the Celtics’ trade focus this offseason includes Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Sam Hauser. However, Charania also hinted that aside from Jayson Tatum, virtually every player on Boston’s roster could be made available for the right offer — creating a potential opening for the Nuggets to pursue White.
Hughes wrote that while Christian Braun is well-liked in Denver, the team needs a more impactful two-way guard alongside Jamal Murray to truly capitalize on Jokic’s peak years.
He emphasized that Derrick White is among the league’s elite defensive guards and a knockdown three-point shooter, the kind of player who forces opponents to rethink their defensive assignments. White also brings significantly more to the table than Braun in terms of floor spacing and playmaking, having averaged 4.8 assists per game last season. His presence could add a level of offensive intelligence and versatility the Nuggets have never had before.
Hughes acknowledged that a third team would likely be required to complete such a deal. Still, with the right combination of draft picks, Christian Braun, and a possible trade involving Michael Porter Jr., Denver might be able to land a player who perfectly fits their system and timeline.
