The Boston Celtics and Derrick White did not agree to a contract extension prior to Monday night's 11:59 p.m. deadline. The 29-year-old guard will become extension-eligible again this offseason and will be able to sign an extension through June 30, 2025.
White, whom the Celtics traded their 2022 first-round pick, a 2028 first-round pick swap, Romeo Langford, and Josh Richardson to the Spurs to acquire at the 2022 trade deadline, has two years remaining on the four-year, $70 million contract he originally signed with San Antonio. The All-Defensive guard is set to make $18.4 million this year and $19.6 million in the 2024-25 season.
According to Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe, the Celtics and White had talks regarding a potential extension prior to Monday's deadline, but no deal was reached. Himmelsbach reported that despite the negotiations, no deal appeared to be on the immediate horizon.
White expressed his love for Boston last week. "I love it here. It's been great being here, being a Celtic," the 6-foot-4 guard said. "That'll never change whether I sign before the season or not. If it happens, great, if not, I'm still excited for the season to be here."
White has emerged as a key piece for the Celtics since his arrival, making an impact on both ends of the floor. A season ago, White appeared in all 82 games (One of just 10 players league-wide to do so) and averaged 12.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game while also being named All-Defensive Second Team.
With White's contract extension talks set to reset in the summer, the former Colardo Buffalo will be one of many Brad Stevens and the front office will be negotiating with in the near future.
Jrue Holiday, whom the Celtics have expressed the desire to lock up long-term and have already had conversations with regarding an extension is extension-eligible in February, and Jayson Tatum can agree to a 5-year, approximately $318 million extension this offseason.
The extension talks with White, Tatum, and Holiday will be at the top of Stevens' to-do list this offseason. In the meantime, the team is focused on raising banner 18, a journey that starts Wednesday night in New York against the Knicks.
