Two-way Celtics wingman Derrick White has $125.9 million reasons to smile after reportedly signing a four-year contract extension with Boston, as reported by top NBA journalist Adrian Wojnarowski.
Get this, White’s extension represents the maximum amount Boston could offer under NBA rules, starting with a 40% raise on his 2024-25 salary. Including the final year of his current contract, White is set to earn approximately $145.4 million over the next five seasons.
If you recall, the Celtics acquired White from the San Antonio Spurs at the 2022 trade deadline, and he has since become a crucial player for the team. What a steal that was.
Initially brought in as a bench player, White’s role and performance have significantly expanded in Boston.
Even though he is known for his stellar defense, White has also improved offensively, increasing his three-point shooting percentage from 34.4% with the Spurs to 38% with the Celtics. All where it counts.
Boston has also given him more responsibilities as a ball-handler, making him their starting point guard on a team that recently achieved the best offensive rating in NBA history. No easy feat with ball dominant players like Tatum and Brown on each wing.
This extension indicates that the Celtics will face substantial luxury tax bills starting in the 2025-26 season. Jaylen Brown is beginning his super-max extension this season, and Jayson Tatum is expected to follow with his own super-max extension next year. Additionally, Jrue Holiday received a similar four-year, $135 million extension during the season, and Kristaps Porzingis is secured for about $60 million over the next two years.
With White’s contract now locked in, the Celtics are positioned as championship favorites for the upcoming season. However, maintaining this roster will come at a significant financial cost.
Let’s be real, would the Celtics have won without White hitting big shots, locking down the other team’s best players at times and diving for loose balls? He even lost a tooth in the finals, didn’t he? Congrats White, you deserve every penny.
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