Derrick White’s journey from San Antonio to Boston has become one of the more fascinating tales of growth, transformation, and unexpected fortune in recent NBA memory. It’s not just the trade that reshaped his career, but the manner in which it was delivered to him—by none other than Gregg Popovich, the legendary head coach of the Spurs, in a characteristically blunt and NSFW fashion. As White revealed on his recent appearance on the “White Noise” podcast, the conversation that changed his career was as unfiltered and honest as one would expect from a coach who’s never been one to mince words.
White spent the early part of his NBA career developing under Popovich in San Antonio. Drafted 29th overall in 2017, he wasn’t an immediate star. Instead, he earned his stripes through Popovich’s notoriously demanding system, carving out a reputation as a smart, tough, and team-first guard. White became known for his defensive tenacity, basketball IQ, and willingness to do the little things that don’t always show up on stat sheets. Those qualities made him a valuable piece for the Spurs—but also the exact kind of player a team like Boston would covet.
During his time in San Antonio, White became part of the Spurs’ culture, a system built on discipline, sacrifice, and a focus on fundamentals. Playing for Popovich means more than just performing on the court—it requires mental toughness, selflessness, and a willingness to learn through harsh truths. The Spurs are known for their development pipeline, and White thrived under it. But NBA careers are shaped as much by timing and opportunity as they are by work ethic, and for White, the winds shifted during the 2022 NBA trade deadline.
That’s when he received the phone call that every NBA player dreads—but in White’s case, it came with a twist. Popovich called him and asked, “What room are you in?” White’s instincts kicked in. It was trade deadline day, and those kinds of vague questions from a head coach tend to signal major news. But even with that looming suspicion, the moment still came with a shock. When Popovich entered the room and broke the news, White initially didn’t believe him.
“Pop walks into the room, and he’s like, ‘Uh, we traded you.’ And I’m like, ‘Shut up, Pop,’” White said. “We got Pop up here somewhere—For real, shoutout to Pop. We love that guy.” There was affection and respect in White’s voice as he recounted the moment. He wasn’t just talking about a coach—he was talking about a mentor, someone who had been instrumental in shaping his professional identity.
But it was the next part of the conversation that made headlines—and drew laughter. When White asked where he was going, Popovich replied with his typical dry humor and a dash of candid loyalty: “We wouldn’t f*ck you. We sent you to Boston.” It wasn’t just a matter-of-fact trade announcement. It was a testament to the respect Popovich had for White. In an NBA landscape where players often feel like assets rather than people, this was a rare, sincere moment between coach and player. Popovich’s message was clear: he wasn’t throwing White into a rebuild or a bad situation—he was sending him to a contender, a team that valued his skill set and where he could grow.
What’s more, White already had familiarity with several Celtics players. “I just played that summer with JT [Jayson Tatum], JB [Jaylen Brown], and Smart,” he said. “So I knew a bunch of people there.” That connection made the transition smoother. “He’s like, ‘You’re going to be comfortable. They’ll kind of bring you along.’ And I’m like, ‘All right, that’s cool.’” But despite the reassurance and the good landing spot, White couldn’t help but be slightly bewildered by the trade. “I thought I’d fit well there, but also like—What? Why? What did I do?”
That’s a question many traded players ask themselves. Trades in the NBA can feel abrupt and personal. But in White’s case, it was less about what he had done and more about what he could become elsewhere. The Spurs were entering a rebuilding phase, stockpiling assets and planning for the future. White, though effective, didn’t align with their immediate timeline. On the other hand, Boston was in pursuit of a championship, and White was a perfect fit for their culture: tough, selfless, and versatile.
Since joining the Celtics, White has been everything Boston hoped he would be and more. His defense has been crucial in big moments, his shot-making has improved, and his ability to adapt has made him one of the most underrated assets on a team full of stars. What’s more, he has become a fan favorite in Boston, celebrated for his hustle, heart, and humble demeanor. The trade, which seemed abrupt at the time, has proven to be a career-defining pivot point.
The respect between White and Popovich remains evident. That NSFW quote wasn’t just locker room talk—it was a statement of faith. Popovich didn’t just want to find a trade partner; he wanted to find the right one. And sending White to Boston signaled not only his belief in White as a player but his care for him as a person.
This story also sheds light on how NBA relationships can be deeper than fans might assume. Behind the contracts, the stats, and the public personas are human beings with bonds, trust, and emotional stakes. Coaches like Popovich, who have been through it all, understand the weight of their decisions. When he said “we wouldn’t f*ck you,” he wasn’t being crude—he was being honest in a way that transcended typical transactional language. He was saying: You earned more than just a trade. You earned respect.
Derrick White’s success in Boston is now part of the Celtics’ broader story as they look to bounce back from yet another playoff heartbreak. With Jayson Tatum sidelined by a lingering Achilles injury late last season, the Celtics’ title hopes took a hit. But as the team regroups, White is expected to be a core part of their plan moving forward. His role has steadily grown, and his leadership has become more apparent.
His journey underscores how a player’s trajectory can be altered not just by talent but by the environments they’re placed in—and the mentors who guide them. Had he stayed in San Antonio, White may have remained under the radar, a dependable guard grinding away in a rebuild. In Boston, however, he has become part of a championship contender, playing meaningful games and making a name for himself on the biggest stage.
In the end, Gregg Popovich’s NSFW parting words have become more than a viral quote—they’re a chapter in the evolution of Derrick White’s career. A chapter that speaks to trust, opportunity, and the rare moments of honesty that make professional sports so much more than just business. It’s a reminder that even in a league driven by numbers and negotiations, there’s still room for relationships, integrity, and the kind of humor that only Popovich could deliver with a straight face.
For White, the trade that once left him asking, “What did I do?” has become a blessing in disguise. And as he continues to thrive in Boston, those unfiltered words from his old coach continue to echo—not just as a laugh-worthy moment, but as a symbol of belief. One that helped push him into the next, brightest chapter of his career.
