In a stunning turn of events, the Boston Celtics are poised to make drastic roster changes as they grapple with the NBA’s punishing luxury tax rules. Having already parted ways with veterans Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis to ease the financial strain of a record-breaking luxury tax bill after the 2024-25 season, the Celtics are still teetering on the edge of salary cap disaster. Now, just $332,000 above the second apron of the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the franchise is reportedly ready to make another gut-wrenching move to get under that critical line before training camps kick off this fall.
According to The Athletic’s Jay King, the Celtics’ front office, led by Brad Stevens, is laser-focused on navigating the 2025-26 season under new ownership while avoiding the restrictive penalties of the second apron. With the team’s financial future hanging in the balance, two players have emerged as the most likely trade candidates: sharpshooting wing Sam Hauser and recently acquired forward Georges Niang. Of the two, Hauser’s name is generating the loudest buzz on the trade market, with the Denver Nuggets already linked as a potential destination.
Despite earlier efforts to quash trade rumors, X posts from NBA insider Ryan Blackburn suggest that Hauser’s departure remains a very real possibility. The Nuggets, armed with a Traded Player Exception (TPE) capable of absorbing Hauser’s salary, could strike a deal, though Boston would likely need to take back a small contract in return. With superstar Jayson Tatum expected to miss significant time—potentially the entire 2025-26 regular season—paying a hefty luxury tax for a roster facing an uncertain outlook makes little sense.
A Tough Loss for Celtics Fans
Sam Hauser, a fan favorite and a cornerstone of Boston’s rotation, has been a reliable contributor over the past three seasons. Appearing in at least 71 regular-season games since the 2022-23 campaign, Hauser has proven his worth as a deadly 3-point marksman, boasting a career 42% shooting clip from beyond the arc. His ability to stretch the floor and step up as a spot starter when needed has made him a valuable asset. However, in a league where dollars often dictate decisions, Hauser’s $2 million salary could be the key to unlocking Boston’s financial flexibility.
I know they tried dispelling such rumors earlier, but Sam Hauser being a potential cost cutting move for the Celtics is still in play, and the Nuggets have a TPE to absorb his salary (though the Celtics would need to take back one small salary)
— Ryan Blackburn (@NBABlackburn) July 1, 2025
Losing a player of Hauser’s caliber over a mere $332,000 is a bitter pill for Celtics fans to swallow. His departure would not only weaken the team’s depth but also signal the harsh realities of the NBA’s salary cap landscape. While Georges Niang, another potential trade chip, brings versatility, it’s Hauser’s proven track record and trade appeal that make him the more likely candidate to be moved.
What’s Next for Boston?
As the Celtics brace for a transitional 2025-26 season, the front office faces a delicate balancing act. Trimming costs without sacrificing competitiveness is no easy feat, especially with Tatum’s absence looming large. The potential trade of Hauser to a contender like Denver could net Boston some value in return, but it’s a stark reminder that even championship-caliber teams must make tough sacrifices in today’s NBA.
With training camp on the horizon, the clock is ticking for Boston to finalize its roster moves. Will Sam Hauser survive July in the green and white, or will the Celtics’ financial crunch claim another beloved player? One thing is certain: the NBA offseason never fails to deliver drama, and Boston is right at the heart of it.