The Boston Celtics are in the midst of a dramatic roster overhaul this offseason following their 2024 championship victory. With star forward Jayson Tatum sidelined for most, if not all, of the upcoming season due to a torn Achilles, the team is grappling with significant changes. Key players from their title-winning roster, including Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kornet, and soon-to-be Al Horford, have departed for other teams. The Celtics have also been fielding trade inquiries for Derrick White and Jaylen Brown, signaling a potential shift in strategy. Now, another player has emerged as a possible trade piece as the team navigates financial constraints: forward Sam Hauser.
Hauser, known for his elite three-point shooting, has surfaced as a potential trade candidate to provide the Celtics with financial relief. According to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, who spoke with NBC Sports Boston, trading Hauser could be the simplest way for Boston to get under the NBA’s first apron, a critical salary cap threshold. “He’s a very marketable guy: a 40-plus percent 3-point shooter who’s shown that he can play at a championship level,” Mannix noted.
Since entering the league in 2021, Hauser has established himself as one of the NBA’s premier sharpshooters. Boasting a career three-point shooting percentage of 42 percent, he has been a reliable asset off the bench. In the 2023-24 season, Hauser averaged 9.0 points per game while shooting an impressive 41.6 percent from beyond the arc. His ability to stretch the floor and contribute at a championship level makes him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their perimeter shooting.
As the Celtics prepare for an uncertain season, trading Hauser could help alleviate financial pressures while allowing the team to retool around their remaining core. With the departure of several key contributors and Tatum’s injury, Boston faces a challenging road ahead. However, Hauser’s marketability could net a valuable return, making this a storyline to watch as the offseason unfolds.