Inside The Celtics

Derrick White Discusses Extension with Celtics: 'Doing Special Things Here'

Bobby Krivitsky

Jun 17, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) reacts after a three point basket against the Dallas Mavericks during the first quarter in game five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 17, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) reacts after a three point basket against the Dallas Mavericks during the first quarter in game five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports / Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
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For Derrick White, the rewards for a career year haven't stopped at lifting the Larry O'Brien Trophy.

Two weeks after helping the Celtics capture Banner 18, the franchise and the former Colorado Buffalo agreed to a four-year, $125.9 million extension. On Wednesday, eight days after celebrating his 30th birthday, news arrived that White will join teammates Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday in representing Team USA at the Summer Olympics in Paris.

The six-foot-four guard takes the place of Kawhi Leonard, who withdrew to focus on training for the regular season. As a result, 25 percent of arguably the most talented roster that Team USA's men's basketball program has assembled play for the reigning NBA champions.

In a conversation with NBC Sports Boston's Chris Forsberg, White expressed the following about quickly coming to terms on an extension with the Celtics.

"I said the whole time that I loved it in Boston," said White, the new star of Sam Adams commercials and one of the city's most beloved citizens. "I was hopeful. And I'm pretty thankful it all happened pretty quickly. (The extension) was pretty easy — I just wanted to be there, and they wanted me here."

The seventh-year guard also discussed how thrilled he is that the franchise is committed to keeping as much of their title-winning team intact as possible. Thirteen of the 15 players on standard contracts with the Celtics last season, plus both individuals on two-way deals, JD Davison and Drew Peterson, are returning in pursuit of Banner 19.

"Everybody knows just how much we got along and enjoy playing with each other," said White. "Everybody's bought in. Everybody's excited to continue doing special things here in Boston."

Further Reading

Jayson Tatum Cried Upon Learning He's NBA2K25 Cover Athlete

Baylor Scheierman Surprised He Fell to Pick 30, Excited to Join Celtics

Jayson Tatum Wants to be in Boston His Entire Career

Celtics Rookie Anton Watson Shares Brad Stevens' Message to Him

Celtics' Coaching Staff Changes Match Theme of Boston's Offseason

Celtics Roster, Salary Cap Breakdown After Whirlwind Start to Free Agency

New Details about Plan to Sell Majority Stake in Celtics Revealed

Brad Stevens Shares His Outlook on Celtics' Draft Picks

Al Horford, Raising Cane's, and a Region that Loves Him

On Derrick White and the Fuel for Unprecedented Journey to NBA's Best Role Player

Jayson Tatum, an NBA Champion Entering Peak of His Powers

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Bobby Krivitsky

BOBBY KRIVITSKY

Bobby Krivitsky's experiences include covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter for Basketball Insiders. He's also a national sports talk host for SportsMap Radio, a network airing on 96 radio stations throughout the country. Additionally, he was a major-market host, update anchor, and producer for IMG Audio, and he worked for Bleacher Report as an NFL and NBA columnist.

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