Derrick White Says Boston Is ‘Exactly Where I Want to Be’
derrick-white-says-boston-is-exactly-where-i-want-to-be
Boston Celtics guard Derrick White confirmed he never considered leaving the franchise while negotiating his new deal, calling the agreement “pretty simple, pretty straightforward.” Speaking Monday on the “White Noise Podcast w/ Derrick White,” the 31-year-old said, “I didn’t want to play anywhere else… I love it in Boston.”
Four-Year, $118 Million Contract Begins This Season
According to Spotrac, the former first-round pick will start a four-year contract worth $118 million that includes a $34.84 million player option for 2028-29, up to $7.84 million in incentives, and a 15% trade bonus.
Career Year Fueled Extension
White posted personal bests last season with averages of 16.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.1 blocks across 76 starts. On March 5 he scored a career-high 41 points in a 128-118 win over Portland, hitting 9-of-17 from three-point range. His 265 made threes set a single-season franchise record, surpassing Payton Pritchard (255) and Jayson Tatum (250).
Two-Time All-Defensive Honoree, 2024 Champion
Since arriving from the San Antonio Spurs in February 2022, White has earned two All-Defensive Second-Team selections and helped Boston capture the 2024 NBA championship over the Dallas Mavericks.
Front Office Keeping Options Open
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported in June that other teams have shown “heavy interest” in White and teammate Jaylen Brown, but Boston set a steep asking price while aiming to keep both players. The Celtics saved roughly $180 million in luxury-tax penalties by trading Jrue Holiday to Portland and Kristaps Porziņģis to Atlanta earlier this offseason.
Charania added that Boston is also listening to offers for Sam Hauser and Anfernee Simons as the club explores further payroll flexibility. The Celtics have been linked to former Los Angeles Clippers guard Ben Simmons.
White, whose children were born in Boston, said his family’s happiness was central to his decision. “This is what my family wants… More years in Boston,” he said.
Source: Basketball Insiders
