Unless you are a Celtics fan who has been living under a rock over the last few months, you must be aware of the fact that Boston has to make significant changes in the offseason to shed salary. The 2025 summer is shaping up to be one of the most active offseasons of Celtics history, with multiple starters and role players firmly on the trade block.
Jayson Tatum's devastating injury adds a fascinating wrinkle to the mix. How much GM Brad Stevens will prioritize being competitive versus setting the team up for the future by staying flexible will be fascinating to watch.
Regardless of which direction the Celtics choose to go, one player who is one of the top trade candidates in Boston is Sam Hauser. The 27-year-old sharpshooter is a valuable role player, but his four-year, $45 million contract that is about to kick in makes him a prime trade chip.
The Celtics can shed Hauser's salary and still get a valuable contributor in return. One potential trade partner could be the Utah Jazz, led by former Celtics decision-maker Danny Ainge and his son, Austin. In such a trade scenario, the Celtics could take back Walker Kessler by attaching their 28th-overall pick in this year's draft and a future unprotected first-rounder. To match the salaries, former Celtics guard Jaden Springer would have to return to Boston.
What this trade accomplishes is that it saves the Celtics around $3 million in salary for the 2025-26 season. The tax savings for the ownership, however, are multiplied.
While saving money, the Celtics also fill a position of need. Kessler is a 23-year-old rim protector who can anchor a defense and can be a long-term replacement for Al Horford. He only makes $4.8 million for next season. The Celtics can either extend his deal or use him as a trade chip again at the deadline or next offseason.
Using two first-round picks when you are not getting a proven starter may seem too rich at first, but neither of these picks is a premium selection with high upside. Plus, Kessler's fit in Boston, combined with the added financial flexibility, makes it a trade worth considering for the Celtics.