The Philadelphia 76ers are poised for a dramatic comeback after a lackluster 2025 season that saw them limp to a mere 24 wins. With their star trio of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George expected to return to full health, the 76ers are now hunting for elite role players to bolster their roster. In a move that could shake up the Eastern Conference, Philadelphia has set its sights on a stunning trade target: Boston Celtics’ sharpshooting sensation Sam Hauser.
According to Athlon Sports’ Nathaniel Holloway, Hauser, a 27-year-old forward with a deadly three-point stroke, could be the perfect addition to the 76ers’ bench. “Hauser is a great 3-point shooter who would give the 76ers a much-needed scoring option off the bench, especially with them looking to move Kelly Oubre Jr.,” Holloway noted. With a career three-point shooting percentage of 42% and a 41.6% clip from beyond the arc last season, Hauser’s ability to stretch the floor could elevate Philadelphia’s offense to new heights. His 8.5 points per game last season may not scream superstar, but his efficiency and consistency make him a coveted asset.
However, prying Hauser away from Boston won’t be easy. The Celtics, fresh off a turbulent offseason, are navigating their own roster overhaul. Key departures, including Jrue Holiday, Luke Kornet, Kristaps Porzingis, and Al Horford, have left Boston’s lineup depleted. To make matters worse, superstar Jayson Tatum is expected to miss most—if not all—of the 2025-26 season, forcing the Celtics to rethink their strategy. With financial pressures mounting, Boston may look to shed salary and regroup for the following season, potentially making Hauser available. But Philadelphia won’t be alone in the chase—Holloway warns that Hauser’s sharpshooting prowess could spark a bidding war among multiple NBA teams.
For the 76ers, landing Hauser would be a statement move, not just for his on-court contributions but for the psychological blow of snagging a key piece from their arch-rivals. As the 76ers aim to reclaim their place among the NBA’s elite, a blockbuster trade for Hauser could be the spark that ignites their resurgence. Will Philadelphia pull off this audacious heist, or will the Celtics hold firm? The NBA offseason just got a lot more intriguing.