Derrick White won’t have a contract extension when the Boston Celtics enter the court at Madison Square Garden to face the New York Knicks to start the 2023–24 season. He and the Cs were unable to come to a consensus before Monday at 11:59 p.m., so the same may be said for the whole future season.
Despite the lack of a deal, the Celtics will still be able to negotiate an extension with the Colorado Native after this season. From what we’ve heard, it sounds like there’s some hope on that front. White and the Celtics had reportedly been discussing an extension throughout the preseason.
Even without a new deal, Boston’s No. 9 is still going to be around for a bit. His current contract with the Celtics runs through the end of next season, making him a free agent in the summer of 2025. Boston will owe White $18.4 million this year, and $19.6 million for the 2024-25 campaign.
Since joining the Cs as part of a trade from the San Antonio Spurs, White has carved out a significant role in Joe Mazzulla’s rotation. Mazzulla spoke about what the 29-year-old brings to the team, specifically as a leader, at Monday’s practice.
He’s really become a vocal leader. Every time we put them in a fix-it situation, an opportunity for the guys to have to figure it out, he’s leading the charge and taking control as a point guard and a voice for our team.”
His defensive efforts paid off last season as he was selected to the NBA’s All-Defensive Second Team.
The native of Colorado also had success on the other end of the floor. He made 44.9% of his field goals and 36.5% of his long-range shots, averaging 12.1 points, 3.8 assists, and 3.5 rebounds a game. Additionally, he played for Boston in all 82 games, starting 74 of them.
