The Boston Celtics’ offseason has been a whirlwind of change, with the team slashing payroll and parting ways with key players in a dramatic pivot toward a “gap year.” Yet, amidst the chaos, one name has remained untouchable: sharpshooting wing Sam Hauser. In a summer defined by cost-cutting and roster upheaval, the Celtics’ unwavering commitment to Hauser signals their belief that he’s a cornerstone of their next championship contender.
The Celtics were always destined to shed salary this offseason. With new ownership on the horizon and the NBA’s punishing second tax apron penalties looming, president of basketball operations Brad Stevens faced a mandate to trim the team’s hefty payroll. The plan was straightforward: move at least one rotation player to ease the financial burden. But when Jayson Tatum suffered a devastating Achilles injury during the Eastern Conference playoffs, the mission escalated from trimming fat to slashing deep. The goal shifted to getting under the second apron entirely, setting the stage for a reload in 2026-27.
The casualties were significant. Fan-favorite Jrue Holiday and rim-protecting big man Kristaps Porzingis were traded away, while veterans Al Horford and Luke Kornet were allowed to walk in free agency. The Celtics, once a juggernaut, were dismantling a contender to navigate the league’s financial realities. Yet, through it all, one player emerged unscathed: Sam Hauser.
At first glance, Hauser seemed like a prime candidate for the trade block. The 27-year-old wing is entering a four-year, $44 million contract—$11 million per season. For a team embracing a gap year, that’s not an insignificant sum for a role player. Compare that to Miami’s Duncan Robinson, who earns $16 million annually for a similar skillset, and Hauser’s deal looks like a bargain. But for a team slashing costs, keeping Hauser could’ve been seen as a luxury.
So why didn’t Boston budge? The answer lies in Hauser’s rare blend of consistency, value, and fit. The 6’8” sharpshooter is a metronome from beyond the arc, drilling 42 percent of his 3-pointers across four NBA seasons. His range is uncanny, with a 3-point shooting percentage that’s never dipped below 41.8 percent or climbed above 43.2 percent. For a Celtics team obsessed with launching triples—often at a league-leading volume—Hauser’s ability to fire 9.5 threes per 36 minutes and convert at an elite clip is invaluable.
Hauser’s reliability isn’t just statistical; it’s predictable. Put him on the court, and he’ll hoist a 3-pointer every four minutes, like clockwork. His shooting isn’t just a skill—it’s a weapon that forces defenses to stretch thin, creating space for Boston’s playmakers. And at 27, with good positional size and a team-friendly contract, Hauser is a player you build around, not one you ship out.
The Celtics’ decision to keep Hauser speaks volumes. While other teams might see a gap year as an excuse to offload talent, Boston views it as an opportunity to double down on a player who embodies their identity. Hauser, who’s been a Celtic since his rookie season, is more than a shooter—he’s a symbol of continuity in a summer of upheaval. Unlike Robinson, who cashed in on a hefty new deal, Hauser offers better value and arguably better production. The Celtics know that players like him don’t grow on trees, and replacing him in a year or two would be a tall order.
While trade rumors could still swirl as the deadline approaches, the window for moving Hauser has likely passed. By keeping him off the trade block, Boston has made a bold statement: Sam Hauser is a cornerstone of the next great Celtics team. In a summer defined by sacrifice, the Celtics’ commitment to their sharpshooting star shines as a beacon of hope for fans dreaming of another banner in TD Garden.