During a recent episode of his podcast, White Noise, Derrick White explained how easy the decision to sign a contract extension with the Boston Celtics was. White re-upped in Boston shortly after winning the 2024 NBA Championship with the Celtics, inking a four-year, roughly $126 million contract to remain with the team.
“The third extension was much, much more relaxed,” White said on his podcast. “Not down to the wire. I didn't want to play nowhere else. Like I wanted to be in Boston. I've always said that. It was pretty simple. Pretty straightforward. And so, signing that, I was super excited just to stay in Boston, to continue to be a Celtic, hopefully do great things in Boston. More years in Boston. Like, this is what I want, and so this is what my family wants.
“Boston has been good. My kids were born in Boston, I kind of developed as a player in Boston, and that's really what it was about, it’s like what's going to make me happy? And I knew that was going to be in Boston. I love it in Boston.”
What has Derrick White meant to the Celtics?
Without White, there would have been no Banner 18. He was a pivotal part of their 2022 Finals run, and an even more important piece of the puzzle when they won the title in 2024.
Since joining the Celtics, White has developed into one of the best defensive guards in the NBA and an elite three-point shooter. His unique shot-blocking style of defense has earned him two All-Defensive selections, and he attempted a career-high 9.1 three-pointers per game last season (and shooting 38.4%).
But whatever difference White has made in Boston over the past few years is just the tip of the iceberg. As the Celtics prepare to move forward, White will be more important than ever.
This summer, the second apron ended the Celtics as they were previously known. Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis were both traded, and Luke Kornet left in free agency, with Al Horford likely to follow.
That leaves White, Jayson Tatum (post-injury), Jaylen Brown, Payton Pritchard, and Sam Hauser as the pillars of the organization moving forward.
White has been the third-best player on a championship team before, but the gap between him and Holiday and Porzingis was slim. Some might have even argued his place in those rankings.
Now? There’s no denying the role he’ll have to play. If the Celtics want another championship, White is going to have to take yet another leap in Boston.