Timberwolves Weigh Move for Celtics Guard Derrick White, Aim to Re-Sign Ayo Dosunmu
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The Minnesota Timberwolves have shifted their focus after cooling on a pursuit of Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo and are now evaluating other high-impact options, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic. League sources told Amick that Minnesota holds strong interest in Boston Celtics guard Derrick White.
White, who turns 32 next month, is under contract for nearly $63 million in guaranteed salary over the next two seasons and carries a $34.8 million player option for 2028-29. Despite recording a career-low 39.4% shooting from the field and 32.7% from three-point range last season, he posted a personal best 16.5 points per game and earned a place on the All-Defensive First Team. The Celtics registered a +11.3 net rating with White on the floor during the regular season, compared with +1.7 when he sat.
Minnesota views the veteran as a potential backcourt partner for Anthony Edwards thanks to his ability to play on or off the ball and his perimeter defense. However, there is no indication Boston intends to move one of its most valuable players, leaving it uncertain whether the Timberwolves can assemble an offer that would prompt negotiations.
While exploring external targets, Minnesota is also “highly motivated” to keep free-agent guard Ayo Dosunmu, reports Marc Stein of The Stein Line. The 26-year-old arrived at February’s trade deadline and averaged 14.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists on .521/.414/.925 shooting in 24 regular-season games with the Wolves. Dosunmu’s postseason résumé included a 43-point performance in Game 4 of the first round against Denver after Edwards exited early with a knee injury.
Retaining Dosunmu could compel the Timberwolves to reduce payroll elsewhere to navigate luxury-tax and apron thresholds, according to Stein.
Source: Hoops Rumors
