Boston Celtics guard Derrick White says he never considered leaving the franchise that acquired him from the San Antonio Spurs in February 2022. Speaking Monday on the “White Noise Podcast w/ Derrick White,” the 31-year-old emphasized his desire to stay in Boston as he starts a four-year, $118 million extension.
Four-Year Deal Starts Now
According to Spotrac, the new contract includes a $34.84 million player option for the 2028-29 season, $7.84 million in potential incentives, and a 15 percent trade bonus. “I didn’t want to play anywhere else,” White said. “Signing that, I was super excited just to stay in Boston.”
Career Year Followed 2024 Title
White helped the Celtics capture the 2024 NBA championship against the Dallas Mavericks and has twice been named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team. Last season, he posted career highs in points (16.4), rebounds (4.5), assists (4.8) and blocks (1.1) across 76 starts. On March 5, he scored a personal-best 41 points in a 128-118 win over the Portland Trail Blazers and finished the year with a franchise-record 265 three-pointers.
Family Roots in Boston
White noted that both of his children were born in Boston and credited the city for his development. “What’s going to make me happy? I knew that was going to be in Boston,” he said. “I love it in Boston.”
Trade Interest Remains High
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported earlier this offseason that rival teams have shown “heavy interest” in White and teammate Jaylen Brown, though Boston’s asking price is steep. Brown is in the second year of a five-year, $304 million supermax contract. The Celtics have also fielded inquiries on Sam Hauser and Anfernee Simons while being linked to former Los Angeles Clippers guard Ben Simmons.
Boston is expected to navigate next season without Jayson Tatum and already shed roughly $180 million in projected luxury-tax penalties by trading Jrue Holiday to Portland and Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks.
Source: Basketball Insiders
