The Boston Celtics are facing an uncertain future as they try to navigate the upcoming season without star forward Jayson Tatum. Making sure the 2025-26 campaign isn’t a wash will be difficult and the task is even more complicated with the Celtics trying to avoid the second apron, which provides restrictions on how free-spending teams can build their roster.
That means the Celtics’ offseason has been more about departures as Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis were traded for salary reasons. Boston is also looking to move Anfernee Simons, who was acquired in the trade that sent Holiday to the Blazers.
The constant shuffle means the Celtics may not be done. As the NBA Summer League concludes, it could lead to another trade of a player that has played a role in Boston’s success the past several years.
Sam Hauser is Still on Celtics’ Trade Block After Summer League
The Celtics signed forward Sam Hauser to a four-year, $45 million contract extension last offseason. But as that deal kicks in, they may be looking to unload it to get under the second apron.
Hauser has been a mainstay on the Celtics bench, averaging 7.4 points and 2.9 rebounds per game over his four-year career. He also had career-highs with nine points and 3.5 rebounds per game on the way to the Celtics' title during the 2023-24 campaign, but he’s best known for his 3-point shooting.
The 27-year-old has been a sharpshooter from beyond the arc knocking down 42% of his 3-pointers since coming into the league. Hauser also displayed his accuracy from distance last year, connecting on 41.6% of his 3-pointers while shooting 45.1% from the floor and knocking down all 11 of his free throw attempts.
It would seem ridiculous to get rid of a player that Boston just signed to an extension, but that’s the current state of affairs. The Celtics currently have a $203.3 million payroll entering next season and while they got under the threshold of $207.8 million, they would like to shed more salary to increase their flexibility heading into next season.
The long-term repercussions of being in the second apron are enough to give any Celtics fan a headache. But being in that apron for a second year would hinder Boston’s attempts to contend when Tatum returns from injury. Dealing Hauser would be a tough pill to swallow for the front office, but it might be the best option to ensure they can add a player if needed next season.