The Houston Rockets’ mandate is clear: go all-in for a championship contender, regardless of the cost. This ambition, coupled with the latest Fred VanVleet injury, has led to a hypothetical but blockbuster trade scenario for the Boston Celtics star, Derrick White, which would secure the final piece of the Rockets’ win-now puzzle. But would the franchise sacrifice its long-term future for immediate contention? And is White truly a player worth an extreme sacrifice?

The Celtics aren’t just the reigning champions; they’re also tied to Houston through Udoka, who coached them to the 2022 Finals and still has deep ties to their system. Multiple reports suggest that if Houston is going to swing big in the wake of VanVleet’s injury, Boston’s loaded backcourt, Derrick White (and his $125.9 million extension), is where their eyes are drifting. The Rockets are also reportedly eyeing guard Payton Pritchard as a strong secondary option.

Houston knows the blueprint: Boston’s guard depth is what pushed them over the top, and Houston suddenly needs the very same thing. As CBS Sports put it in their analysis of Houston’s options in the aftermath of Fred VanVleet’s ACL tear, “We’re swinging for the fences right out of the gate, and so should the Rockets. Boston is in a gap year. White is a considerable upgrade from VanVleet and is locked up for the next four years… White is the new Jrue Holiday. A winner in every sense and the perfect fit alongside any star in any system.”

Boston’s commitment to Derrick White shows that he’s more than a role player – the Celtics handed him a 4-year, $125.9M extension last offseason. That’s a statement: they see him as part of their core. In 2024–25, he delivered 16.4 PPG, 4.8 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and shot 44.2% from the field. His playoff numbers rose: 16.7 PPG, 4.3 boards, 4.1 assists in 19 games. That kind of consistency and two-way upside is why Houston would view him as more than a mere replacement; he’s an anchor.

Yet it comes with a side of caution: “Boston loves him as much as everyone else. … it would cost something major. Fortunately, the Rockets have draft capital … good young players/prospects in Reed Sheppard, Jabari Smith Jr. and/or Tari Eason.” Boston would demand a haul. White’s age (turning 31) and multi-year control make him a coveted asset. Houston’s offer would have to match both the present and future value lost.

Pritchard complements White perfectly. CBS Sports called him Houston’s “favorite target,” citing him as a bona fide offensive weapon and an ultra-competitive defender capable of making an honest two-way difference. While he has some size limitations, Pritchard’s shooting, craftiness, and defensive tenacity make him a natural fit alongside Houston’s wings and young forwards. As a high-impact sixth man is well-justified in terms of immediate contention value.

The Rockets might also weigh including Anfernee Simons in their calculus. CBS Sports noted that Boston’s interest in Simons is largely tied to his expiring contract, which is set at $27.6 million for the 2025-26 season. “Boston took on Simons because he’s on an expiring deal, whereas Holiday is due three more years, which is to say they probably aren’t tied all that tightly to him beyond giving him something of a free season as a tryout for inclusion in their future,” the report explained.

Simons’ scoring and playmaking could act as an immediate boost off the bench or even in a starting role, giving the Rockets both depth and instant impact as they try to offset VanVleet’s absence.

Derrick White trade could shape Rockets’ season

By the time VanVleet is back, the Rockets could already be in full swing for a playoff push, making a proven player like White essential rather than optional. Because a torn ACL typically requires 8-10 months of recovery for NBA players, which can lead to a year, based on individual recovery. So, despite having multiple options to replace VanVleet, Derrick White clearly stands out as Houston’s best shot. Sure, there are cheaper veterans or younger prospects, but White combines instant impact, defensive toughness, and proven consistency, all in one package.

What makes White even more attainable for Houston is their arsenal of assets. With nine future first-round picks, including the unprotected 2027 Phoenix pick as their crown jewel, the Rockets can put together a serious offer that blends draft capital with young talent like Jabari Smith Jr. or Tari Eason. This is a move that could reshape the Rockets’ backcourt for the next four seasons, giving them a legitimate star-level replacement for VanVleet while strengthening their championship window.