All-defensive guard breaks silence on extension talks with Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics will have until Oct. 23 at 11:59 p.m. to come to an agreement with Derrick White on a contract extension; if they want to get a deal done this year, that is. White spoke on the idea of sticking around with reporters at Tuesday’s practice.

“I love it here. It’s been great being here, being a Celtic,” he said (h/t Bobby Manning). “That’ll never change, whether I sign before the season or not. If it happens, great. If not, I’m still excited for the season”

White’s contract runs through the end of the 2024-25 season. He’s set to make $18.4 million this year, and then $19.6 million in his final year.

The Celtics landed the Colorado native at the 2022 trade deadline, as part of a deal that sent Romeo Langford, Josh Richardson, Boston’s 2022 first-round pick, and a 2028 first-round pick swap to the San Antonio Spurs.

Since arriving and joining the Cs, White has made an impact on both sides of the floor. In 108 appearances, the 29-year-old has started in 74 games for Boston. He’s been solid in his minutes, averaging 12.1 points, 3.8 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game while knocking down 44.9% of his attempts from the field and 36.5% of those from deep.

Last season, he was named to the NBA’s All-Defensive second team.

Boston Celtics have been having contract extension talks with Derrick White

Though White isn’t overly concerned with inking an extension prior to this season’s tip-off, the two sides have reportedly been engaged in talks.

According to The Boston Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach, those discussions are “ongoing.”

“Derrick White and the Boston Celtics have been talking about a contract extension,” Himmelsbach reported. “Talks are ongoing, but nothing appears to be on the immediate horizon. Both sides have an October 23 deadline to reach an agreement on extending White’s deal.”

Though there’s no rush to get a deal done, it would be nice to know that White is sticking around for the long term.