The Boston Celtics made a calculated gamble last offseason — trading away Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, letting Al Horford walk in free agency — all to shed salary and reset under the new CBA apron rules. Many wondered if Derrick White might be next on the block amid the roster overhaul. Turns out, that was never even close to happening.
White isn’t just a key piece; he’s the heart of the current Celtics identity. On his latest “White Noise” podcast episode (dropped around February 16, 2026), the 31-year-old guard shared a lighthearted but telling story about his new teammate Nikola Vucevic — the center Boston acquired in a February trade deadline deal from the Chicago Bulls for Anfernee Simons and picks.
Vucevic, who has worn No. 9 throughout much of his career (and briefly with the Bulls), jokingly floated $5 million to swap jerseys. White’s response? A firm no — and a heartfelt explanation that speaks volumes about his loyalty to Boston.
“Nine is my favorite number,” White said. “When I see my people wear No. 9 in like the Garden and it’s like a Nike jersey, then I’m like, ‘Ah, I know that’s mine.’ So there’s something special about that. There’s something kind of special about looking up and seeing all that. My fans know me as No. 9. If there was a special reason he [Vucevic] wanted to be No. 9, maybe I would consider it. But I kind of want to stay nine.”
He later joked that $10 million might change his mind — but $5M? Not a chance. The moment, shared widely on X (including by @PolymarketHoops), highlights White’s deep connection to Celtics Nation. Fans rocking his No. 9 in TD Garden isn’t just merch; it’s personal.
Why the Celtics Were Wise to Keep Him Untouchable
Last summer, as Boston executed a massive reset — shipping Porzingis, Holiday, and others for cap relief — multiple reports surfaced of teams inquiring about White. The front office shut them down cold. Celtics executive Mike Zarren addressed it bluntly in June 2025: “Those two guys [Jaylen Brown and White] are really, really great NBA players, and there hasn’t been anything close to serious about trading them. I’m not sure where all this reporting came from, but those guys are key parts of our team, and we’re lucky to have them here.”
White, acquired in the 2022 deal that sent Josh Richardson to San Antonio, has evolved into a franchise cornerstone alongside Jayson Tatum and Brown. He’s part of the “Big 3” that delivered Banner 18, and his two-way impact remains elite even after the departures of Holiday (defensive anchor) and Porzingis (spacing big).
Through 52 games in 2025-26 (as of mid-February), White is averaging career-highs in several areas: 17.2 points, 5.6 assists, 4.4 rebounds, while shooting 38.9% from the field (a dip from his norm) and 32.5% from three. But the real story is defense — where he’s a DPOY contender.
- Ranks 7th league-wide in defensive win shares.
- 5th in individual defensive rating (min. 30 MPG), with opponents at just 108.6 points per 100 possessions when he’s on the floor.
- Celtics allow 116.9 points per 100 when he’s off — an 8.3-point swing.
- Boston sits 9th in team defensive rating, largely thanks to White stepping up huge post-Holiday/Porzingis.
On/off splits are staggering: +11 net rating with White on court (would rank 2nd NBA-wide), dropping to +1.7 off (14th). He’s providing rim protection (1.4 blocks per game — rare for a guard, joining MJ and T-Mac in historic company) and anchoring switches.
White himself admitted shooting struggles hurt his All-Star case: “Obviously, this year has been kind of crazy and not shooting the way that I wanted to. I feel like I’ve done a pretty good job of keeping a positive mindset and doing other things to help the team win. And if I shot it the way I know I’m capable of, I probably would be [an All-Star].”
Vucevic Addition Fits the Bigger Picture
The recent Vucevic trade (February 2026) adds frontcourt depth and shooting (he’s posted double-doubles early), pairing nicely with Neemias Queta’s emergence. White praised the move’s human side on his pod, noting how trades affect relationships but emphasizing buy-in.
White’s refusal to swap jerseys — even for cash — underscores why Boston held firm. He’s not just bleeding green; he’s the glue holding the post-championship core together. In a league of constant movement, White’s loyalty and two-way excellence make him irreplaceable.
Celtics fans: Derrick White is the real deal — a keeper through thick and thin. Thoughts on his DPOY case or that $10M joke? Comment below and share if you’re proud to rock No. 9 at the Garden!