ANNOUNCEMENT HILLS: Boston Celtics Point Guard Derrick White Shocks NBA World, Rejects Historic $575 Million Indiana Pacers Deal — Says “My Loyalty Lies With the Celtics and Cannot Be Bought”
In a move that has left the NBA stunned and fans across the league scrambling for answers, Boston Celtics point guard Derrick White has reportedly rejected a jaw-dropping $575 million offer from the Indiana Pacers — the largest contract proposal in league history — to remain with the franchise and city he now calls home.
The 31-year-old guard, fresh off an All-NBA Second Team selection and his best season to date, made the announcement during a surprise appearance at “Announcement Hills,” a special Celtics community event in Roxbury on Saturday afternoon. Standing in front of a crowd of local fans and Celtics youth academy players, White delivered the shocking news with emotion and conviction.
> “I’ve made my decision. I’m not going anywhere,” he said, microphone in hand. “My loyalty lies with the Boston Celtics — with this team, this city, this jersey. You can’t put a price tag on purpose.”
The reported deal from Indiana would have shattered every existing NBA salary benchmark: a six-year, $575 million fully guaranteed contract with luxury perks, including equity in the Pacers’ media division and a post-career executive pathway. The Pacers had been aggressively pursuing White after he led the Celtics to back-to-back Finals appearances, averaging 19.3 points, 6.8 assists, and 1.9 steals per game in the 2024–25 season.
A source close to the negotiations described Indiana’s offer as “essentially a blank check,” adding, “They were ready to build the entire franchise around him — on the court and in the front office.”
But for White, legacy meant more than a ledger.
“This team took a chance on me. Brad [Stevens] believed in me. Joe [Mazzulla] trusted me. And I gave everything I had in return,” White said. “Now we’re building something bigger than basketball.”
White’s announcement sent an instant jolt across the NBA community. Within minutes, “Derrick White” and “$575M Rejected” were trending worldwide. Celtics star Jayson Tatum tweeted simply, “Loyalty. That’s it. My PG 🔒.” Jaylen Brown followed with a handshake emoji and the word “Family.”
Boston management praised White’s decision in an official statement:
> “Derrick is not just one of the league’s most intelligent and tenacious guards — he’s the soul of our team. His loyalty and heart are unmatched, and we’re honored he continues to choose Boston.”
White’s rejection of the most lucrative deal in league history now places him alongside Celtics legends like Paul Pierce and John Havlicek, players who defined their careers not by chasing contracts, but by anchoring dynasties.
Analysts across ESPN and TNT debated the decision Saturday night, with Stephen A. Smith calling it “the most selfless and powerful moment of the modern NBA era.”
The Celtics are expected to offer White a revised extension this summer, one that better reflects his value — but nowhere near the Pacers’ astronomical figure. And yet, it doesn’t seem to matter to White.
“I didn’t come here to be bought. I came here to win. To lead. To represent this city with pride,” he told fans as chants of “Der-rick! Der-rick!” rang out behind him. “I’m here. I’m staying. Let’s finish what we started.”
And just like that, Derrick White didn’t just turn down $575 million — he may have redefined the meaning of loyalty in the modern NBA.