Derrick White heard 2022 Celtics trade news from Gregg Popovich

Getting traded as knowledgeable athlete could be chaotic, particularly — as Celtic Derrick White lately defined — if you happen to initially obtain a minimal quantity of data from Gregg Popovich.

White, 31, was traded to the Celtics from the Spurs on the deadline in Feb. 2022 in change for Josh Richardson, Romeo Langford, a 2022 first-round choose, and the rights to swap 2028 first-round picks.

Since arriving in Boston, White has turn out to be an integral member of the workforce, ultimately serving to so as to add championship banner No. 18 in 2024.

However on the fateful deadline day in 2022, White was initially perturbed at being dealt.

“Getting traded isn’t simple,” White defined within the first episode of his lately launched podcast, “White Noise Podcast w/Derrick White.”

“I believe it’s most likely simpler within the offseason, you type of get time to loosen up and determine [things] out,” he stated of being one of many names in an NBA deal. “However getting traded within the season is among the craziest issues that I’ve needed to take care of in my NBA profession. You’re on a workforce, you’re dedicated to them, you’re attempting to do every part you possibly can to assist them win video games, after which in the future they’re like, ‘Alright, you’re on the Celtics.’”

“I used to be damage, undoubtedly, after they traded me,” White added of the Spurs.

In a way, he acknowledged that it was painful to be shipped out from a workforce he’d — to that time — spent his complete skilled profession with.

“That’s type of what it’s like. ‘Why don’t they need me? They don’t consider in me. Why don’t see their future with me there?’” he stated he requested himself. “So I used to be similar to, ‘Why don’t they need me?’ I used to be cool with the rebuild.”

Added to the stress was the inevitable proven fact that he wasn’t shifting by himself.

“My spouse was seven months pregnant. That makes issues crazier,” White remembered. “I believe getting traded to Boston makes it even crazier, as a result of the roads make zero sense. You don’t know the place you’re going. Every little thing is so complicated.

“San Antonio, every part is 20 minutes away. Boston, you possibly can go two miles in 20 minutes, prefer it doesn’t make any sense,” White stated, half-joking.

The precise means that he discovered in regards to the commerce was additionally notable, with Popovich taking part in a central (and initially mysterious) position. The legendary coach offered solely half of the information.

“We’re in Atlanta. Pop walks into the room and is like, ‘We traded you.’

However having informed him he was not a Spur, Popovich was silent.

“I’m like, [traded] to the place?” White stated he requested.

“He’s like, ‘We wouldn’t f*** you. We despatched you to Boston,” White recalled Popovich telling him.

Brandon Bowman, a Spurs coach (and White’s pal), texted him asking if he wished “a bottle.” White replied that he did, and the 2 “began taking part in dominoes and ingesting.”

This led to a gaggle of gamers and coaches congregating in his resort room as a sendoff get together.

Ultimately, Celtics assistant coach Will Hardy let White know that they have been attempting to get him on a flight to Boston that left in “an hour and a half.”

White acknowledged that he was not precisely in one of the best frame of mind to journey, however continued anyway.

“At this level I’m lit,” White stated. “I’m upset that they traded me, however now I’m attempting to get to the airport. Barely make my flight.”

After touchdown in Boston, White stated he was up early the next morning to start the method of assembly new teammates and making ready to hitch the Celtics.

“Once you get traded, you meet everyone all of sudden. It’s not simply the gamers, you meet the entrance workplace, you meet the coaching workers, you meet the energy workers, you meet the [nutritionists]. You meet so many individuals it’s simply overwhelming.”

Lastly, following a collection of delays as all the gamers concerned with the commerce (together with those that had been dealt to San Antonio) handed their physicals, he was allowed to swimsuit up for the sport towards the Nuggest that evening at TD Backyard.

On the finish of a whirlwind technique of being traded, White famous with satisfaction that he obtained a heat welcome from his new followers.

“Clearly Boston’s one of the best crowd within the NBA,” White stated. And after he obtained a standing ovation upon checking in for the primary time, he remembered pondering “that is the place I’m purported to be at.”

In his debut, White ended up scoring 15 factors with six rebounds in a 108-102 win over Denver.