Two-way Celtics wingman Derrick White has $125.9 million reasons to smile after reportedly signing a four-year contract extension with Boston, as top NBA journalist Adrian Wojnarowski reported.
Get this: White’s extension represents the maximum amount Boston could offer under NBA rules, starting with a 40% raise on his 2024-25 salary. Including the final year of his current contract, White is set to earn approximately $145.4 million over the next five seasons.
If you recall, the Celtics acquired White from the San Antonio Spurs at the 2022 trade deadline, and he has since become a crucial player for the team. What a steal that was.
Initially brought in as a bench player, White’s role and performance have significantly expanded in Boston.
Even though he is known for his stellar defense, White has improved offensively, increasing his three-point shooting percentage from 34.4% with the Spurs to 38% with the Celtics. All where it counts.
Boston has also given him more responsibilities as a ball-handler, making him their starting point guard on a team that recently achieved the best offensive rating in the history of the NBA. This is no easy feat with ball-dominant players like Tatum and Brown on each wing.
This extension indicates that the Celtics will face substantial luxury tax bills starting in the 2025-26 season. Jaylen Brown is beginning his super-max extension this season, and Jayson Tatum is expected to follow with his super-max extension next year. Additionally, Jrue Holiday received a similar four-year, $135 million extension during the season, and Kristaps Porzingis is secured for about $60 million over the next two years.
With White’s contract locked in, the Celtics are positioned as championship favorites for the upcoming season. However, maintaining this roster will come at a significant financial cost.
Let’s be real: would the Celtics have won without White hitting big shots, locking down the other team’s best players at times, and diving for loose balls? He even lost a tooth in the finals, didn’t he? Congrats White, you deserve every penny.