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Derrick White Addresses $126 Million Celtics Decision After Roster Changes

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Elie Deglaoui | Last updated Sep 2, 2025 12:42 PM ET

After playing a crucial role in the Boston Celtics' NBA Championship victory in 2024, Derrick White signed a four-year, $126 million deal to remain with the team for the long haul. Furthermore, this decision was made with hopes of Boston repeating as champions. Ultimately, this did not happen, and the Celtics are now going through some major changes after the fact.

This offseason, the Celtics traded Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, and they moved on from other players like Luke Kornet and Al Horford. Additionally, with Jayson Tatum set to miss at least a good chunk of next season, the team is going to look incredibly different.

In a recent episode of the White Noise Podcast, White made it clear that he is happy and "loves it in Boston."

"I didn't want to play nowhere else. I wanted to be in Boston... And so, signing that, I was super excited just to stay in Boston, to continue to be a Celtic, [and] hopefully do great things in Boston," White said about signing his contract extension in 2024.

"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, where do I want to be? What's going to make me happy? And I knew that was going to be in Boston. I love it in Boston."

Derrick White said signing an extension with the Celtics was a no-brainer:

“Boston has been good. My kids were born in Boston, I kind of developed as a player in Boston…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.” pic.twitter.com/9ZPpbJAUQU
— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) September 2, 2025

The 31-year-old seems committed to remaining in Boston, and he will look to continue playing a key role as the team looks to re-establish themselves as title contenders. It is unlikely to happen next season, but if White can continue to develop and make an impact, then the Celtics should be in a good position to compete again in the near future.

Derrick White Must Step Up for the Celtics Next Season

With Tatum out indefinitely, the Celtics are going to give Jaylen Brown the reins and allow him to be the top guy. As Boston focuses on the "next man up" mentality, a lot of eyes will be on White, who will have to take on an even bigger role.

The Colorado native has been a big contributor for the Celtics since they acquired him from the San Antonio Spurs in 2022. He makes his presence felt on both sides of the ball as an elite perimeter defender and as one of the smartest offensive players in the league. However, he will be in line for his biggest role yet next season, and it remains to be seen if he can step up when the team needs him the most.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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