Derrick White - 2025 Return Chance?

[NickiRasgo]

White contract will expire at the end of 2025 season.
Players under the contract of Celtics after the end of 2025 season are:

Jrue Holiday - $32.4M
Porzingis - $30.7M
Tatum - $37.1M (PO)
Brown - $53.3M
Pritchard - $7.2M

That's $160.7M but not sure with the salary cap situation before 2025-2026 season and Tatum will likely opts out his PO then will sign an extension with the Celtics
White will be UFA and will be 30 years old by then so he'll likely seek the largest money he can get which I think the Spurs can offer.
I assumed that the Spurs are already aware with the situation but part of me thinks that White will be their priority by 2025 offseason esp. if they won't do much expensive move/s this offseason.

Personally, he's my priority FA by the offseason of 2025 since we already have a "Batman" and White seems a good fit as the top role player to Wemby and Vassell (assuming he'll still be the "Robin").
What do you think the realistic chance of White's return to the Spurs?

Edit:

My timing was off and they can resign White as early this offseason but the new contract will kick in by the start of 2025-2026.
By 2026 offseason, they'll resign Tatum to another Supermax Contract after he opts out his PO. and may not re-sign Porzingis or maybe they can for a cheaper contract.

I was thinking the Spurs have a legit chance in terms of Celtics financial status by 2025 offseason since they just resigned Holiday earlier this season but hopefully that White will consider to bet on himself to test the FA on 2025 offseason but his agent will probably remind him the risk.

Edit 2:

Answering my question and chance is slim but who knows.


"I can't talk about much with things that we're not allowed to discuss until July 1, but Derrick's had an amazing year," Stevens replied, as seen in the video player above. "Derrick is a huge, huge part of our team and we want him around for as long as we can keep him around."



The question is whether Boston can afford to give White a long-term extension while also paying big money for Jayson Tatum (who's eligible for a supermax extension this offseason), Jaylen Brown, Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis.



But Stevens' comments about White suggest that keeping him in Boston is a top priority, and as Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix explained recently, it seems like the front office has the green light from ownership to spend over the luxury tax if it means keeping this core together long-term.



"I don't think [Holiday's extension] prevents the Celtics from signing Derrick White," Mannix said last week on NBC Sports Boston's Arbella Early Edition. "The Celtics have shown as an ownership group, as a front office that if there is a pathway to winning championships, they're willing to spend whatever it takes.


" ... Within the NBA's rules, I think the Celtics will do whatever it takes to keep this team together, to keep a multiple championship window type of team open."


White has been a perfect fit in Boston, and it would be very surprising to see him hit unrestricted free agency in 2025. So, don't be surprised if extension talks pick up in earnest after July 1.


Brad Stevens addresses potential Derrick White contract extension – NBC Sports Boston (https://www.nbcsportsboston.com/nba/boston-celtics/derrick-white-contract-extension-brad-stevens/604289/)

[buttsR4rebounding]

White contract will expire at the end of 2025 season.
Players under the contract of Celtics after the end of 2025 season are:

Jrue Holiday - $32.4M
Porzingis - $30.7M
Tatum - $37.1M (PO)
Brown - $53.3M
Pritchard - $7.2M

That's $160.7M but not sure sure with the salary cap situation before 2025-2026 season and Tatum will likely opts out his PO then will sign an extension with the Celtics
White will be UFA and will be 30 years old by then so he'll likely seek the largest money he can get which I think the Spurs can offer.
I assumed that the Spurs are already aware with the situation but part of me thinks that White will be their priority by 2025 offseason esp. if they won't do much expensive move/s this offseason.

Personally, he's my priority FA by the offseason of 2025 since we already have a "Batman" and White seems a good fit as the top role player to Wemby and Vassell (assuming he'll still be the "Robin").
What do you think the realistic chance of White's return to the Spurs?

It likely depends if the Celts ring between now and then. But even if they don't White is incredibly valuable to them. The advanced stats show that he is actually their most valuable player. Tatum and Brown don't perform anywhere near as well when White is off the floor. I am certain they will offer him something north of what they paid Jrue and at 30 years old he likely will prefer to stay in a win now situation rather than a developmental one. Celts being over the 2nd apron would almost be forced to sign him because they wouldn't be able to replace him and if I recall correctly he wouldn't be eligilble for a sign and trade. Although I would love to see him back in SA.

[Dejounte]

Nah bring the better point guard back: Murray

[LeBowen]

As things stand now, Celtics will offer him an extension.
The only realistic way for him to get moved is if they implode and then decide to make some moves.
But then again, I think he's the second last player they'd move after Tatum.
Brown's contract is a big overpay, Jrue is 34 and Porzingis' injuries are inevitable.


Nah bring the better point guard back: Murray

We'll never get him back just because it would be too embarrassing for the Hawks to trade him back for less than they gave up.
Especially since he's been playing better than ever and he signed a team friendly extension.


Point guard I'd keep an eye on is Cade.
He hasn't signed an extension yet, Pistons just changed their GM and they're still two years away from being two years away.
I don't think Cade is happy with the situation.

He didn't even turn 23 yet and is a well-known quantity. Great size.
Would be costly, but chances of drafting a better point guard are really low.

[buttsR4rebounding]

Nah bring the better point guard back: Murray

Yep. My ideal off season starts with trading our pick this year for DJM.

[Pauleta14]

As things stand now, Celtics will offer him an extension.
The only realistic way for him to get moved is if they implode and then decide to make some moves.
But then again, I think he's the second last player they'd move after Tatum.
Brown's contract is a big overpay, Jrue is 34 and Porzingis' injuries are inevitable.


I agree. He's become increasingly important for Boston this season. The same way Jrue was for the Bucks

He'd be the ideal profil tho,

doesn't need much the ball = compatible with Wemby's PG skills,
great size and defensive IQ,
Spurs DNA,
mentor for the young core...

[DAF86]

Nah bring the better point guard back: Murray

An elite role player that knows his role > a fringe wannabe all-star with low IQ

White > Murray, if your goal is winning championships

[NickiRasgo]

It likely depends if the Celts ring between now and then. But even if they don't White is incredibly valuable to them. The advanced stats show that he is actually their most valuable player. Tatum and Brown don't perform anywhere near as well when White is off the floor. I am certain they will offer him something north of what they paid Jrue and at 30 years old he likely will prefer to stay in a win now situation rather than a developmental one. Celts being over the 2nd apron would almost be forced to sign him because they wouldn't be able to replace him and if I recall correctly he wouldn't be eligilble for a sign and trade. Although I would love to see him back in SA.

If they want to resign White, they'll prolly go over the salary cap space but I'm not sure the threshold on 2025-2026 season unless they trade Brown or Porzingis.

[NickiRasgo]

Nah bring the better point guard back: Murray

Costly. Unlikely the Hawks will want something less in return unless they'll be okay with Spurs 2024 FRP and Raptors 2024/2025/2026 FRP plus filler players to match the salary + only 1 of the Hawks FRP but that's unlikely for them.

[DAF86]

As things stand now, Celtics will offer him an extension.
The only realistic way for him to get moved is if they implode and then decide to make some moves.
But then again, I think he's the second last player they'd move after Tatum.
Brown's contract is a big overpay, Jrue is 34 and Porzingis' injuries are inevitable.



We'll never get him back just because it would be too embarrassing for the Hawks to trade him back for less than they gave up.
Especially since he's been playing better than ever and he signed a team friendly extension.


Point guard I'd keep an eye on is Cade.
He hasn't signed an extension yet, Pistons just changed their GM and they're still two years away from being two years away.
I don't think Cade is happy with the situation.

He didn't even turn 23 yet and is a well-known quantity. Great size.
Would be costly, but chances of drafting a better point guard are really low.

That would be an awesome get. In terms of age, position, size and playing style, as close as perfect a get for the Spurs to pair with Wemby. But, unfortunely, I don't see the Pistons letting him go.

[DAF86]

The defense and size of a Cade, Vassell, Sochan, 3 and D guy, Wemby lineup would be something else.

[emmo]

An elite role player that knows his role > a fringe wannabe all-star with low IQ

White > Murray, if your goal is winning championships

Exactly. It may not be White that comes, but please no DJ. Can’t see Vic and him gelling on or off the court.

[NickiRasgo]

As things stand now, Celtics will offer him an extension.
The only realistic way for him to get moved is if they implode and then decide to make some moves.
But then again, I think he's the second last player they'd move after Tatum.
Brown's contract is a big overpay, Jrue is 34 and Porzingis' injuries are inevitable.


I think my timing was off and yeah, they can resign White as early this offseason but the new contract will kick in by the start of 2025-2026 and they won't sign Porzingis after 2026 season which they'll also resign Tatum to another Supermax Contract after he opts out his PO.
I was thinking we have a legit chance since they just resigned Holiday earlier this season but hopefully that White will consider to bet on himself to test the FA on 2025 offseason but could be too risky for him.
Winning a championship is nice but I think getting bigger bag is better nowadays given that it'll be his last chance.

[John B]

I would love to get Derrick back, but I doubt Celtics would let him go. Derrick has shown to be their glue-guy offensively and defensively and very much liked by everyone.

And nope, Murray is not the better player overall if you include all the intangibles, teamplayer, unselfishness on and off the court, no drama.

[couchman]

I’m thinking a deal w the Hawks ends up being a 3 team deal because the Hawks seem to want good players now more than they want to rebuild with picks.

I like White and would welcome him back as a FA for the right price, all while knowing that he’d likely only be there for the first part of Wemby’s career. He’ll be 30 next year

[R. DeMurre]

Brad Stevens is a pretty sharp guy, and I'm sure when he looks at his future salary obligations, the contract of Jaylen Brown has to stand out dramatically, especially alongside every advanced/impact measurement that shows Brown to be a relatively low impact guy for an all star with such an enormous contract. If the Celtics win a championship this year or next, it'll be (in my opinion) because of their incredible depth, not because Tatum/Brown are analogous to Jordan/Pippen, Steph/Klay, or Lebron/Wade. Stevens has to be wringing his hands right now thinking about what to do with White-- he probably can't keep everybody for more than a couple of years, but the decision on who to keep is going to be a big one for the future of the franchise, and I think J Brown brings the most back in a trade.

I'm been thinking the same lately about the Bucks and Lillard. Dame wanted pretty badly to be in Miami, and maybe it makes sense for Milwaukee to explore a trade there, for something like some combo of Jamie Jaquez, Jovic, Rozier, and a resigned Delon Wright... the idea being you catch Jaquez and Jovic on their way up instead of languishing with Dame on his way down...

[mo7888]

I’m thinking a deal w the Hawks ends up being a 3 team deal because the Hawks seem to want good players now more than they want to rebuild with picks.

I like White and would welcome him back as a FA for the right price, all while knowing that he’d likely only be there for the first part of Wemby’s career. He’ll be 30 next year

A 3 team deal would be easier for Atl to 'sell' to their fanbase than trading directly with us and getting less than they paid for DJ.

[NickiRasgo]

So yeah, seems a very slim chance to return.


"I can't talk about much with things that we're not allowed to discuss until July 1, but Derrick's had an amazing year," Stevens replied, as seen in the video player above. "Derrick is a huge, huge part of our team and we want him around for as long as we can keep him around."



The question is whether Boston can afford to give White a long-term extension while also paying big money for Jayson Tatum (who's eligible for a supermax extension this offseason), Jaylen Brown, Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis.



But Stevens' comments about White suggest that keeping him in Boston is a top priority, and as Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix explained recently, it seems like the front office has the green light from ownership to spend over the luxury tax if it means keeping this core together long-term.



"I don't think [Holiday's extension] prevents the Celtics from signing Derrick White," Mannix said last week on NBC Sports Boston's Arbella Early Edition. "The Celtics have shown as an ownership group, as a front office that if there is a pathway to winning championships, they're willing to spend whatever it takes.


" ... Within the NBA's rules, I think the Celtics will do whatever it takes to keep this team together, to keep a multiple championship window type of team open."


White has been a perfect fit in Boston, and it would be very surprising to see him hit unrestricted free agency in 2025. So, don't be surprised if extension talks pick up in earnest after July 1.


Brad Stevens addresses potential Derrick White contract extension – NBC Sports Boston (https://www.nbcsportsboston.com/nba/boston-celtics/derrick-white-contract-extension-brad-stevens/604289/)

[LeBowen]

If the Celtics win a championship this year or next, it'll be (in my opinion) because of their incredible depth, not because Tatum/Brown are analogous to Jordan/Pippen, Steph/Klay, or Lebron/Wade.

It will be because the East is down bad yet again with the West being a bloodbath.
I don't think OKC has a chance to make it to the finals, but look at the potential road for other three teams. Just like the good, old days.

Meanwhile Boston will go through Miami without half their roster, Magic/Cavs and Pacers/Knicks.
Healthy Knicks would be a respectable ECF team, but they're dropping life flies and Thibs is down to 7 men rotation.

Whenever the Celtics struggle, it really does feel like Jays are missing that final, superstar gear actual MVP level players have.
If Boston is to win this year, they'll have to convincingly dismantle whoever they play. I don't give them much chance in clutch scenarios.

[R. DeMurre]

Yeah, my guess is they extend White and give it one full season, and then explore Jaylen Brown trades.

[CGD]

They will find a way to keep him.
He’s in my view their best player.

[TD 21]

Brad Stevens is a pretty sharp guy, and I'm sure when he looks at his future salary obligations, the contract of Jaylen Brown has to stand out dramatically, especially alongside every advanced/impact measurement that shows Brown to be a relatively low impact guy for an all star with such an enormous contract. If the Celtics win a championship this year or next, it'll be (in my opinion) because of their incredible depth, not because Tatum/Brown are analogous to Jordan/Pippen, Steph/Klay, or Lebron/Wade. Stevens has to be wringing his hands right now thinking about what to do with White-- he probably can't keep everybody for more than a couple of years, but the decision on who to keep is going to be a big one for the future of the franchise, and I think J Brown brings the most back in a trade.


Yeah, my guess is they extend White and give it one full season, and then explore Jaylen Brown trades.

I've essentially said as much recently.

Players the caliber of White don't get to free agency because the team is in a financial bind. They'll either pay him and figure the rest out later (Brown is the most likely casualty, with Holiday probably second) or in the off chance he won't re-sign for whatever reason, he'll be traded ahead of time.

This is why I keep saying hoarding cap space for '25 or whenever is a fool's errand because outside of the Craptors (Van Vleet), players of or above that magnitude don't make it to market anymore.

[Dex]

They will find a way to keep him.
He’s in my view their best player.

Maybe not best...but a vital piece. Celtics would be crazy to let him walk.

[GAustex]

If the money is close why would he want to come back to popabitch and the clusterfucks

[Dex]

If the money is close why would he want to come back to popabitch and the clusterfucks

Wemby

[T Park]

If the money is close why would he want to come back to popabitch and the clusterfucks

the biggest reason wears number 1 genius

[JPB]

the biggest reason wears number 1 genius

He's 29 (30 next year), already made the Finals, and gonna keep contending for the rest of his prime in BOS, a big market, where he made his place and gonna get paid.

I don't see him coming back in a rebuilding, NBA bottom team who's gonna fight to even make the POs, then maybe start contending in 3-4 years at the very best, just for the sake of playing with Wemby. These guys have their career too and staying in BOS is way much better for his.

[CGD]

Maybe not best...but a vital piece. Celtics would be crazy to let him walk.

Yes, I was being a little facetious, but the reality is that without him, Tatum and Brown revert back to that hideous brand of “your turn, my turn” basketball.

I like those two players to be clear, but one of the great revelations that has come from Ant’s rise this year is that it has helped place Tatum, Brown, and even Devin Booker, in to proper context. They’re not on Ant’s level.

[Dejounte]

DJ > White ;)

https://x.com/crumpledjumper/status/1786933527151509547?s=46

[LeBowen]

DJ > White ;)[/tweet]

Since you're his biggest fan, what would you give up to get him back?
I'd do Keldon+Collins+2026 swap+2027 ATL for DJ+Capela.

They get two of their three picks back and shed some salary.
Capela is on $22M, but he's better than Collins and would be an expiring contract.

[GAustex]

the biggest reason wears number 1 genius
The SA shitshow overshadows 1 popabitch taint licker

[Knoxxx]

Since you're his biggest fan, what would you give up to get him back?
I'd do Keldon+Collins+2026 swap+2027 ATL for DJ+Capela.

They get two of their three picks back and shed some salary.
Capela is on $22M, but he's better than Collins and would be an expiring contract.

That's a steal for us. I don't think ATL can afford to give us back Murray. Not only do they look like idiots doing the deal you suggested, but Murray contract is too team friendly IMO to give up. They don't really have an incentive to tank, since we have all of their picks. The best thing for them to do is offload Tre Young and go from there. Take what they can get for him, aka the best offer. We could only be so lucky, that ATL would give us their best player, on a cheap deal, for two players we don't even actually want (at least many Spurs fans don't).

Edit: I missed that in your kindness to ATL you also give back the 2026 swap. But, I still think ATL is going to be a weird team to try and strike a deal with. I could see them sending us Young, but we have the two obstacles of fit and them looking dumb for not getting back at least what they gave us for Dejounte, in exchange for Young.

Final edit: seems like the best thing to do is keep putting the screws to ATL, by not letting them off the hook over the next 3 years re their draft picks.