Celtics have painfully obvious Sam Hauser decision to make this offseason

If it wasn’t obvious enough from their sudden early exit in the playoffs, Boston Celtics’ President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens made it crystal clear in his end-of-year press conference that changes are coming.

While the internet makes mock trades revolving around superstar Jaylen Brown, that won’t be happening.

Instead, Stevens and the Celtics’ brass will likely prioritize making moves to upgrade the supporting cast around Jayson Tatum and Brown. With Boston desperately needing to bolster its frontcourt, it'll have to sacrifice a crucial role player to acquire one.

Considering that the team is crowded with depth on the wing, forward Sam Hauser is likely the odd man out this offseason.

Sam Hauser doesn’t offer much outside of scoring

For the last four seasons, Hauser has been a key member of the Celtics’ rotation. The former Virginia Cavalier plays an integral role in head coach Joe Mazzulla’s offense with his elite three-point shooting, shooting 41.2% from long distance for his career.

Shooters like Hauser are hard to come by, as his tremendous catch-and-shoot ability gives more space for Brown and Tatum to operate. However, Hauser doesn’t offer much more than that.

He virtually shoots no free throws, averaging 0.3 free throw attempts per game this past season, isn’t a facilitator, and doesn’t make an impact on the glass despite being 6-foot-7.

While he played solid defense during Boston’s 2024 championship run, he hasn't been nearly as impactful on that end since. Opposing teams still target him in certain matchups, and his limited athleticism doesn't help him in these situations.

It’s time for the Celtics to move on from Hauser for a big man

Despite recording career-highs in minutes per game (24.8) and games started (49), Hauser had to battle for reps. The younger players, such as Baylor Scheierman, Jordan Walsh, and Hugo Gonzalez, were all given opportunities to shine, and the trio flashed potential on both ends.

Considering the three are younger than Hauser and are on team-friendly teams next season, it puts the five-year veteran at a disadvantage. The Wisconsin native has three more years left on his four-year, $45 million extension he signed in 2024.

While he remains a valuable rotational piece, Boston must address its frontcourt, which may force the franchise to move on from him. With the departures of Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford, the Celtics lack a big man who can score in the paint and outside the arc.

Given Hauser’s affordable contract, they can trade him and receive a quality big in return. One trade they can make is for Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford, whose interior scoring and rim protection would strengthen their frontcourt.

For the Celtics to capitalize on their championship window with Brown and Tatum, they’ll have to sacrifice a meaningful contributor. Besides 2024, Stevens has made several notable trades since taking over the reins.

From trading Kemba Walker, Malcolm Brogdon, and Marcus Smart, Boston continues to make changes in an effort to raise another banner. To claim another, it’ll have to cost them Hauser and potentially even more.

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