Following their dominant run to the championship, there was no doubt that the Celtics were going to be heavily represented in the Paris Olympics. And that’s exactly what happened as their three stars, Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, and Derrick White made it to the USA roster. And as it turns out, their former head coach, Ime Udoka, had reportedly been eyeing one of these stars to add to the Rockets squad until a $125 million move ruined the plan.

Yes, we are talking about Derrick White. With his current contract coming to an end this season, there was a possibility of him entering free agency next summer. And as per veteran insider Brian Windhorst, the Rockets reportedly had plans to save cap space so that they could pursue the versatile guard if he becomes available. However, that plan went down the drain once White inked a $125.9 million extension to solidify his future in Boston.

Meanwhile, another potential target, Donovan Mitchell, also signed an extension with the Cavs around the same time. With White and Mitchell no longer available, Udoka and his crew focused on securing their young stars. Earlier this week, they re-signed Alperen Sengun to a five-year $185 million extension while also giving a three-year $106 million extension to Jalen Green. And it’s pretty evident as of now, the Rockets do not have a ton of cap space to add a big superstar.

But it is being speculated that Jalen could turn into a trade piece soon because of his short-term extension and final-year player option. So, there could be another big pursuit incoming in Houston. However, the Celtics fans would be relieved that they did not lose White to Udoka, especially with the way his tenure ended in Boston.

Ime Udoka’s unfortunate history with the Celtics, which led to his firing

As the head coach of the team, Udoka led the Celtics to immediate success. In his very first season there, he helped the team reach the Finals. And it looked like the future was bright for him and the franchise. But soon after the season ended, Udoka was suspended for violating team policies. Well, he was allegedly involved in an inappropriate workplace relationship with a woman who was on the organization’s payroll.

Despite his abilities as a head coach, the team had no option but to suspend him. And soon after, he was replaced by Joe Mazzulla, who remains the Celtics’ head coach even today. Meanwhile, Ime has found a new home in Houston after he became the Rockets’ new head coach last year.