The reigning champions have maintained one of their team’s foundations for the long term.
Just two weeks after winning their 18th NBA title, the Boston Celtics have reportedly given guard Derrick White a maximum four-year, $125.9 million contract extension. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
An NBA source noted that securing White long-term was a “big offseason priority” for Boston.
The 29-year-old started all 73 games for Boston last year, averaging 15.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.2 blocks per game.
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White is especially known for his defensive acumen, having been named to the NBA’s All-Defensive Second Team the past two consecutive seasons.
The 29th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft was especially good when the lights were at their brightest.
White averaged 16.7 points per game en route to Boston’s Finals victory, including five games with 20 or more points.
White was scheduled to play in the 2024-25 season, the final year of his current four-year, $70 million contract with the San Antonio Spurs.
Instead, his new contract will nearly double his average salary from $17.5 million per year to $31.4 million.
With White continuing to wear the green and white, Boston will be able to retain its championship core of Jayson Tatum, Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday and White, as well as the injured Kristaps Porzingis, who is expected to miss the first month or two of the year.
The White extension was Boston’s second notable move early in the offseason.
On Sunday night, the team re-signed center Luke Kornet to a one-year contract.
The deal should prove especially significant given the burgeoning arms race in the Eastern Conference.
The Philadelphia 76ers acquired arguably the biggest name on the market in Paul George, and also signed Tyrese Maxey to a $204 million contract extension.
Meanwhile, the New York Knicks acquired impressive forward Mikal Bridges in a trade while also retaining OG Anunoby.
On top of that, the Indiana Pacers signed Pascal Siakam to a max contract extension and retained Obi Toppin.
Even with White in the fold, Boston will likely struggle to win the Eastern Conference title, let alone defend the league title. The Celtics were swept by the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals last year and never played more than five games against the Miami Heat or Cleveland Cavaliers.
