Boston Celtics have announced that Derrick White has signed a four-year contract extension worth $125.9 million. This move makes White one of the highest-paid players on the team, with a starting salary of 40% increase from his 2024-25 salary. Combined with his existing deal, White will make approximately $145.4 million over the next five seasons.
White was acquired by the Celtics from San Antonio Spurs during the 2022 trade deadline and has quickly become a key player for the team. Initially brought in as a defensive guard off the bench, White’s offensive performance has improved significantly in Boston, and he now serves as the team’s starting point guard. He has shown growth in his shooting percentages and taken on a more prominent role as a ball-handler.
The contract extension for White means that the Celtics will face significant luxury tax bills starting in the 2025-26 season. With Jaylen Brown already starting a super-max extension this season and Jayson Tatum likely to follow next year, the team has committed to keeping their core together. The Celtics are now positioned as championship favorites for the upcoming season, but maintaining this talented roster will be expensive.
Looking ahead, the Celtics have potential for multiyear success with a core group of young players such as Tatum, Brown, and Porzingis all in their 20s while White is turning 30 soon. Despite Holiday being closer to the end of his prime, the team’s core is secured for years to come after an impressive 64-win season last year. The team is not just focused on repeating as champions but establishing a legacy for years to come which sets high expectations for other teams in the league looking to challenge Boston for supremacy.
