Celtics, Derrick White Can’t Agree To Extension Before Deadline

If there’s one negative aspect of the Boston Celtics’ wealth of offseason moves, it’s that they pushed a couple of things to the backburner.

The C’s pretty much overhauled their roster this summer, looking to maximize their championship window while Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown each enter their prime. Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis were acquired in trades, while Marcus Smart, Grant Williams, Malcolm Brogdon and Robert Williams III all found new homes. Payton Pritchard and Brown each saw their contracts extended, with Tatum eligible for a massive deal next summer.

It was a busy summer for Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens. In making all of those moves, however, Derrick White’s impending contract extension fell by the wayside.

The Celtics and White couldn’t agree on a new deal by Monday, which was the deadline for veteran extensions for players with two years left on their deal. That means the 29-year-old is no longer eligible to sign an extension until next summer. In the short term, though, it’s no big deal — even for White.

“I love it here. It’s been great being here, being a Celtic,” White said prior to the deadline, per Bobby Manning of CLNS Media. “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.”

It is now a wonder whether or not White will be around for the long haul, though.

Boston has big money tied up heading into the future, as Tatum, Brown and Porzingis account for some pretty pricy long-term deals. Holiday is another player who could force the Celtics’ hand, with his player option bringing him to free agency at the same time as White (2025).

There’s no doubt White will see an uptick in playing time, while his production should follow suit as he’ll be closing games with four former All-Stars. That’ll only drive his number up, which could force the Celtics to restructure the roster if they hope to keep him long-term.