From Deadpan Deliveries to Championship Dreams: The Hilarious and Emotional Journey of Derrick White to the Celtics

In the high-stakes world of the NBA, trades are often portrayed as clinical, business-first transactions. Players are moved like chess pieces, and front office decisions can abruptly shift the trajectory of careers. But every once in a while, a trade story emerges that is so unexpectedly human, awkward, and even funny that it cuts through the noise. Derrick White’s move from the San Antonio Spurs to the Boston Celtics in the middle of the 2021–2022 NBA season is one such story — a chaotic blend of deadpan humor, frantic last-minute packing, and a fateful flight that would eventually lead him to a championship legacy in Boston.

The Deadpan Trade That Changed Everything

Derrick White had been a cornerstone for the San Antonio Spurs for four years. Drafted 29th overall in 2017, he’d developed under the careful, often stoic eye of head coach Gregg Popovich. That development included not just refining his on-court skills, but adapting to the quirky, no-nonsense style that Popovich was famous for.

So when White found out he was being traded, the news came in the most “Pop” way imaginable. No long speech. No grand announcement. Just a matter-of-fact statement from one of the most respected minds in basketball.

“We’re in Atlanta,” White recalled. “Pop walks into the room and is like, ‘Hey, we traded you.’ And doesn’t say anything else.”

The sheer abruptness of the statement left White momentarily stunned. His response?

“I’m like… to where?”

Popovich’s answer was as blunt as his first sentence. “‘We wouldn’t fuck you. We sent you to Boston.’”

That was it. No sugarcoating, no emotional farewell. Just pure Popovich. But beneath the dry delivery was a message: the Spurs respected White enough to send him to a contender, not just anywhere.

Despite the abruptness, White recognized the opportunity. “I thought, yeah, I’ll fit well there. But it’s also like, what do I do next?”

Gregg Popovich and Derrick White (Image Credit: Imagn)

Dominoes, Drinks, and a Dash to the Airport

What happened next only added to the surreal nature of the day.

Shortly after the announcement, Brendan Bowman, a member of the Spurs’ support staff, texted White with a simple offer.

“He’s like, ‘You want me to get you a bottle?’” White recounted. “I’m like, yes.”

With the whirlwind of emotions swirling, White and Bowman did what any two people might do when life suddenly changes — they poured drinks and played dominoes.

“We start playing dominoes and drinking. I’m just drinking, drinking,” White laughed. “Then Will [presumably another staffer] comes up and says, ‘We’re going to try to get you on this flight that leaves in like an hour and a half. So like, can you pack up and go?’”

There was no time to process. No time for goodbyes or even a hangover. Just pack up, slam the dominoes down one last time, and hustle to the airport.

That chaotic send-off would soon blossom into one of the most impactful trade stories in recent Celtics history.

Embracing Boston: A Perfect Fit

From the moment White stepped on the hardwood in a green and white jersey, it became clear he was built for Boston. His defense-first mentality, high basketball IQ, and unselfish play made him an immediate favorite with both teammates and fans. While he wasn’t the biggest name on the roster, White brought intangibles that coaches dream about: calm under pressure, hustle on every possession, and a willingness to take on any role the team needed.

Over the next two seasons, he became a reliable starter, lockdown perimeter defender, and clutch shot-maker. And then came the 2023–24 season — the season that would cement his name in Celtics lore.

A Championship Run for the Ages

In 2024, the Celtics finally broke through the Eastern Conference wall and reached the NBA Finals, driven by a team stacked with talent: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and of course, Derrick White. But it wasn’t just star power that brought them the championship. It was chemistry, trust, and grit — the kind of traits White had in abundance.

In the Finals, White’s hustle plays — diving for loose balls, contesting shots, and calmly running the offense — didn’t always make the highlight reel, but they were essential to Boston’s success. When the Celtics secured their record-breaking 18th NBA title, surpassing the Lakers, White stood on the court not just as a role player — but as a champion who had earned every bit of the moment.

The Jrue Holiday Departure: Bittersweet Transitions

Every championship team eventually changes. And for Boston, the first big shift came during the 2024 offseason, when Jrue Holiday, one of the most respected and experienced guards in the league, was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers.

For White, it was more than just losing a teammate. It was losing a friend, a brother in battle, and a role model.

“Jrue could have easily said, ‘Give me the ball,’ but he wasn’t like that,” White said. “Unbelievable teammate, unbelievable family. You can’t really replace him.”

The respect in White’s voice was palpable. Holiday’s unselfishness and leadership had left a lasting impression. Their partnership on the court had been seamless — two guards who could both defend, shoot, and make the right play. But perhaps more importantly, they trusted each other.

Holiday’s departure meant more responsibility for White. It also meant continuing the legacy of what they’d built together — a legacy of team-first basketball, humility, and excellence.

Derrick White (Image Credit: Imagn)

Full Circle: Gratitude for the Chaos

Looking back, White’s journey to the Celtics began with a chaotic trade, a bottle of liquor, and a panicked rush to the airport. But that moment — raw, unfiltered, and unscripted — may have been exactly what he needed.

He left San Antonio with no promises, no guarantees, and no time to prepare. And yet, in Boston, he found everything: opportunity, purpose, and victory.

Now entering his prime, White is more than just a dependable player. He’s a core piece of a championship team. He’s a role model for younger players. And he’s a symbol of how sometimes, the most ridiculous beginnings can lead to the most beautiful endings.

In the end, that brief conversation with Popovich — “Hey, we traded you” — became the catalyst for something unforgettable. And it serves as a reminder to every player in the league: change may come fast, but what you make of it is what truly defines you.

As the Celtics prepare for their title defense, Derrick White stands ready — not just as a replacement for anyone, but as his own man. A champion, a leader, and one of the most quietly impactful guards in the NBA today.