The Celtics are heading into an offseason of change after Jayson Tatum’s Achilles tear due to a looming financial crunch. Big names like Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday have been largely discussed as trade candidates due to their big salaries. However, Boston could make some modifications to the back end of the roster as well to dip below the second apron or even the luxury tax if the team pursues a bigger roster reset.
One trade candidate to keep close tabs on if the Celtics got that route is Sam Hauser. Michael Scotto of Hoopshype reports executives around the league are keeping their eye on the sharpshooting forward as the Celtics weigh their trade options.
Hauser is a career 42 percent 3-point shooter and has worked his way into a significant bench role during Boston’s last three seasons after going undrafted in 2021. ‘
The reserve forward signed a four-year, $45 million extension last July that kicks in during the 2025-26 season. Hauser only earns $10 million in the first year of his extension so his contract should be easily movable for Boston even if they don’t want to take back salary as part of the deal. Hauser’s deal will fit easily into some bigger trade exceptions held around the league or could be taken it the full mid-level exceptions held by teams this summer if they choose.
Boston drafted Baylor Scheierman with the No. 30 overall pick last April and the former Creighton wing had a strong finish to his rookie campaign. He would be an obvious candidate to fill Hauser’s role if the veteran is moved.
Hauser, 27, appeared in 71 games for Boston last season including 19 starts. He shot 41.6 percent from 3-point range and averaged 8.5 points and 3.2 rebounds per game.