The top spot was easy - it’s the wild-card name at No. 2 that might make you do a double take.
While going through this exercise for the Red Sox as their offseason rolls along, it got me thinking about this same idea idea for their basketball brethren, with a couple key differences:
- The face of the Celtics’ franchise is ineligible for the below list, based on arbitrary rules I put in place for myself that it has to be a person who is currently playing for the team (his injury rehab making him ineligible)
- The Celtics (15-10) are in the middle of their regular season, currently sitting in the No. 3 spot in the Eastern Conference
So if it wasn’t already obvious - you won’t be seeing Jayson Tatutm on this list of three. When healthy, he would have been No. 1 by a mile, as he’s the definition of an untradeable asset, still at just 27 years old.
Outside of Tatum, and especially before the team’s recent stretch of success where they won 10 games in 12 contests, the internet was full of talking heads positing various trade scenarios for Boston, saying Tatum’s injury was their chance for a reset year with the 2026 NBA Draft class projected to be loaded with talent.
“Fire sale the team for future assets, tank the season for a high draft pick, and rebuild the roster around Tatum moving forward.”
In theory? I get it. But in practice, it’s way more complicated than it sounds.
Moving the types of deals Boston has in place would be extremely difficult. Getting the proper amount of draft capital in return is never a guarantee, either. On top of all that, you then have to hit on those draft picks.
It’s just not that simple!
With that said, I think this is an interesting franchise to go through, especially because I believe the No. 2 player I have listed here will turn a lot of heads.
But if you’ve been paying attention, it shouldn’t!
Here’s my list of the three most untradeable players on the Celtics right now:
3. Derrick White, G
White may have had a slow start to the season, but he’s crucial for the Celtics having any chance of a deep run in 2025-26. He shifts between lead guard, secondary scorer, and top defender, helping Boston keep its structure no matter who’s on the floor.
The 31-year-old continues standing out on defense. He guards the toughest opponents while helping keep the offense running smoothly. In close games, his steady play helps Boston stay in control, especially when the team needs to go one-on-one.
When building a team, White’s value comes from covering so many needs at once. Trading him would leave big holes, since it would take several players to match his defense, playmaking, and smarts.
Any trade offer Boston could receive for White would probably fall short of acceptable, unless it included multiple first round picks with light protections.
2. Jordan Walsh, F
Yes, Jordan freakin’ Walsh.
I know, there’s egg on my face for this one. But the facts are facts.
Walsh’s growth is important for Boston’s lineup. He used to be seen as a long-term project, but now he helps the team win with strong defense, better shooting, and a willingness to do the hard work.
Walsh’s size lets him defend different positions, giving the Celtics unusual flexibility. On offense, he’s more confident now - driving past defenders, finishing tough plays, and spacing the floor so he can stay on the court in big moments.
Walsh has turned December into his personal showcase, averaging 15.5 points on a scorching 81% from the floor and 75% from deep. He remained efficient on Thursday vs. Milwaukee, but the rest of Boston’s lineup fell short, missing 16 straight threes in the second half and shooting just 26% after halftime. That cold streak was their undoing, by no fault of Walsh’s own.
Walsh isn’t going anywhere because of how quickly he’s improving. He’s already helping the team and still getting better. Trading a young, affordable player who fits so well doesn’t match Boston’s plan for long-term success.
1. Jaylen Brown, F
There’s no question - Jaylen Brown is the Celtics’ most untradeable player.
With more on his shoulders, Brown has stepped up as both the team’s main scorer (29.1 PPG, ranking sixth in the NBA) and emotional leader. Every game, he leads with strong drives, top-notch defense, and the confidence to hit big shots.
Beyond production, Brown brings more than just stats - he gives the team stability.
His contract, age, and role make a trade unlikely. It’s almost impossible to get equal value, and trading him would change the team in ways Boston wants to avoid.
Brown’s reliability signals Boston’s long-term intent, setting a consistent foundation that drives both current performance and future aspirations.
Like I said with White - unless the trade package is ludicrous, you can’t trade Jaylen Brown.
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Tom Carroll is a contributor for Roundtable, with boots-on-the-ground coverage of all things Boston sports. He's a senior digital content producer for WEEI.com, and a native of Lincoln, RI.