While he doesn’t get the impression that the Celtics are actively trying to trade Derrick White — his sources say a move would be surprising — Jake Fischer of The Stein Line (Substack link) says there’s a belief around the league that the team has at the very least been willing to listen to calls about the veteran guard.

The Celtics are known to be in the market for frontcourt help and inquired about Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert ahead of the February deadline, sources tell Fischer. Sam Amick of The Athletic reported on Friday that the Wolves had “strong” interest in White, who makes $30.4MM next season, compared to $36.5MM for Gobert.

To be clear, Fischer doesn’t think the Wolves are necessarily trying to move Gobert either, but a White-for-Gobert deal makes some sense on the surface, since Minnesota is seeking backcourt upgrades and is believed to be open to various trade concepts to complement Anthony Edwards.

Here’s more from Fischer’s latest rumor round-up:

• People with knowledge of the situation tell Fischer that the Timberwolves have appeared more willing to float Julius Randle in trade concepts than Gobert. Fischer refers to Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid as being “off-limits” in trade talks and wonders what a package built around Randle might bring Minnesota in return, pointing to Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant as one player who is “very available.”
• Although the Kings have been repeatedly linked to Darius Acuff Jr. and there’s a perception around the NBA that he’s far and away their preferred option at No. 7, Fischer continues to hear that Sacramento seems content with selecting whichever guard the team has highest on its board at that spot and isn’t solely focused on Acuff.
• Fischer gets the sense that Keaton Wagler and Mikel Brown are likely to be selected fifth and sixth overall, in some order, by the Clippers and Nets, meaning Acuff could indeed be available at No. 7. Sources tell Fischer that Wagler and Brown both cancelled workouts with Sacramento, a strong sign that they’re comfortable with their standing.
• The Wizards remain undecided at No. 1 as they continue to weigh drafting AJ Dybantsa or Darryn Peterson, according to Fischer, who hears the Jazz are are unlikely to trade up from No. 2 in order to select Dybantsa.
• The Hawks haven’t shown any interest in potentially moving up from No. 8, Fischer reports.