What Derrick White mentioned about contract extension talks with Celtics

Celtics

“If it occurs, nice. If not, I’m nonetheless excited for the season to be right here.”

The Boston Celtics held their first day of training camp at the Auerbach center on Tuesday. Derrick White makes a throw.
Derrick White nonetheless has two extra years left on his present contract. John Tlumacki/ The Boston Globe

The Celtics have had a busy offseason, and that is likely to be underselling it.

With Brad Stevens seeking to get the Celtics over the hump of their pursuit of Banner 18, Boston swung a pair of blockbuster trades for All-Stars Jrue Vacation and Kristaps Porzingis.

The Celtics additionally handed star swingman Jaylen Brown the most important contract in NBA historical past by the use of a five-year extension value $304 million, alongside with a brand new four-year deal for guard Payton Pritchard final week. 

However with the beginning of the 2023 NBA season now somewhat over every week away, Stevens and his employees is probably not performed in relation to doling out new offers for key contributors on Boston’s roster.

Although Derrick White nonetheless has two years remaining on his present contract, Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe reported on Sunday night that extension talks between the guard and Boston are ongoing, with each events having till 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 23 to comply with phrases on a brand new deal. 

On Tuesday, White was requested about his ideas concerning a long-term match with the Celtics. 

“I like it right here,” White mentioned on the Celtics’ group facility on the Auerbach Middle. “It’s been nice being right here being a Celtic. That may by no means change whether or not I signed earlier than the season or not. So, if it occurs, nice. If not, I’m nonetheless excited for the season to be right here.”

White, who continues to be enjoying beneath the four-year, $70 million extension he initially signed with the San Antonio Spurs, has established himself as a key cog in Joe Mazzula’s rotation.

The 29-year-old guard averaged 12.4 factors, 3.6 rebounds and three.9 assists per sport final season whereas additionally incomes NBA All-Defensive Second Crew honors.

Although White was initially tabbed as Boston’s place to begin guard this season following Marcus Good’s commerce to Memphis, that established position now possible belongs to Vacation following his arrival earlier this month.

Whether or not or not it’s within the beginning lineup or off the bench, White mentioned that he doesn’t care about the place he slots in on Boston’s depth chart. 

“It’s simply sort of like final 12 months, no matter we determine I’m with it,” White mentioned of beginning for Boston. “Doesn’t actually change my position an excessive amount of whether or not I begin or come off the bench. So long as I’m there, I gotta do the issues the group wants me to do to assist us win. So, that doesn’t actually change.”

For what it’s value, Mazzulla opted to start out each Vacation and White throughout Boston’s preseason sport in opposition to the Knicks on Tuesday — with White getting the nod because the group’s taking pictures guard and Brown slotted over because the group’s small ahead.