Former Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet revealed on June 10, 2026, that he is currently not communicating with current Celtics guard Derrick White following their last on-court matchup.
Kornet stated that while he maintains a regular group text message chain with several former teammates from Boston, communication with White has stopped entirely since their recent game.
He explained the breakdown by detailing White's personal approach to matchups and past incidents between the two players.
"As for Derrick, there's been radio silence.
You know the type of guy he is where he's one to foster and hold a grudge, so you kind of want to let that kind of just simmer and then give it the space," Kornet said.
"Unfortunately you have to play them twice a year, so you see them then, but I mean, there's a hostile act that happened when we played them last, so I don't know if we're exactly on speaking terms."
Celtics Roster Plans Under Scrutiny
Meanwhile, the Celtics roster construction remains under scrutiny as the team navigates offseason personnel options.
ESPN reporter Brian Windhorst provided an update on June 8, 2026, regarding the trade availability of Boston's core championship players.
"I'm going to tell you I have not actually heard any material, true discussions.
I'm certain maybe someone has called on Jaylen Brown maybe, but I have not heard one iota of Jaylen Brown truly being available or Derrick White being available," Windhorst said.
"It is a proven commodity that Jaylen and Jayson and Derrick White are a championship trio. They're under contract, and it's big contracts, absolutely.
It's a lot of money and their flexibility is impacted by that, but Brad Stevens has shown very good player personnel."
Windhorst added that the team needs to add more trustworthy rotation players, especially at the big man positions.
White's Views on Teammates and Former Team
White discussed various league topics on June 3, 2026, including the New York Knicks' roster construction around Jalen Brunson.
"The Knicks surrounded him with guys that can do a lot of different things that can make up for what he doesn't do well," White said.
He also clarified his departure from the San Antonio Spurs after host Michelle Beadle expressed sadness over him leaving.
"I didn't leave the Spurs. They traded me," White said.
Despite the trade, White indicated he maintains positive feelings toward his former team and head coach Gregg Popovich.
"Off the court he shows you he's human and cares about you as a human," White said.
White even selected his former team to win the championship series, saying "Spurs in 7."
White also praised Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla for his unique basketball intellect and dismissed media portrayals.
"He's a great basketball mind. He thinks the game like no one I've really been around.
All the stories of him just being crazy just how he is every single day. It's not for the media, nothing," White said.
Furthermore, White commended teammate Jaylen Brown for his work ethic.
"I don't think people understand how hard he works.
Every day he's in there working on his game, working on different things he can improve, just watching film and just seeing different ways to improve," White said.
Brown previously lauded White on May 24, 2026, after White secured a spot on the NBA All-Defensive First Team.
"Had a hell of a defensive season," Brown said, adding that White's "timing & ability to make impact plays…he's gifted at that…His IQ sets himself apart."
The NBA Communications department officially announced the 2025-26 Kia NBA All-Defensive First Team on May 22, 2026, which included White alongside Rudy Gobert, Chet Holmgren, Ausar Thompson, and Victor Wembanyama.
White finished in the top six of defensive voting, helping Boston secure a 56-26 regular-season record despite Jayson Tatum missing most of the season.
The New York Times reported on May 6, 2026, that an anonymous voter strongly endorsed White's impact: "Everyone is trying to say Jaylen Brown is an MVP candidate.
They're wrong. White has actually been the biggest reason they're so good this season."
