Celtics Star Reveals $10M Price Tag to Change Jersey Number

Derrick White says he's attached to his No. 9 jersey and would need a massive payout to switch.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Boston Celtics guard Derrick White says he would be willing to change his jersey number from No. 9, which he is attached to, but it would take a hefty $10 million price tag to convince him. White revealed this on a podcast when asked about the possibility of giving up his number to new Celtics teammate Nikola Vucevic, who had mentioned wearing No. 4 previously. However, Vucevic did not explicitly ask White for the No. 9 jersey.

Why it matters

Jersey numbers can hold deep personal meaning for athletes, and changing a well-established number can be a significant decision. White's high asking price highlights how valuable his No. 9 jersey is to him and the Celtics organization, as well as the financial considerations involved when star players switch numbers, even if the new teammate doesn't actively request the change.

The details

White explained that he feels a strong connection to the No. 9 jersey, saying "there's something kind of special about that" when he sees fans wearing his number at Celtics games. He noted that Celtics legend Rajon Rondo also wore No. 9, adding to the jersey's significance. While Vucevic mentioned wearing No. 4 previously, he did not directly ask White to give up the No. 9, according to White's comments.

  • White has worn the No. 9 jersey since joining the Celtics in 2022.

The players

Derrick White

A guard for the Boston Celtics who has worn the No. 9 jersey since joining the team in 2022.

Nikola Vucevic

A center for the Boston Celtics who was traded to the team in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“I'm willing to switch for $10 million.”

— Derrick White, Boston Celtics Guard (The White Noise Podcast)

“He said something about it, but he didn't really say that he wanted it or anything. He mentioned that he wore No. 4 for the national team and that he's been No. 4 before.”

— Derrick White, Boston Celtics Guard (The White Noise Podcast)

The takeaway

This story highlights the personal significance that athletes can place on their jersey numbers, as well as the substantial financial considerations involved when star players are asked to change their well-established numbers, even if the request is not explicitly made. White's high asking price of $10 million underscores how valuable the No. 9 jersey is to him and the Celtics organization.