Chowder and Champions
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Grading the Celtics' 2024 Offseason Moves After Title Win

By Jacob Phillips

May 27, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) and Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) react to a play during the first quarter during game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
May 27, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) and Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) react to a play during the first quarter during game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports / Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
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Celtics Extend Sam Hauser: 4 years, $45 million

Sam Hauser
Jun 17, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser (30) celebrates after winning the 2024 NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports / Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

Give Brad Stevens the Medal of Honor. Name your firstborn after him. Put him on the recently-vacated presidential ticket.

Hauser was already under contract through the 2024-25 season, but until Sunday morning, his future in Boston was murky at best. The Celtics already own a massive payroll with five max contracts guaranteed at least through 2026. Extending Hauser, who was projected by some to get offers up to $20 million AAV, seemed unlikely at best.

Losing Hauser would've been no small thing, either; the 26-year old finished second on the Celtics in 3PT% and 3PM, behind Jrue Holiday and Jayson Tatum, respectively. Whereas he was formerly criticized for defensive shortcomings, he's improved on that end, too: Boston's defensive rating went up by nearly four points with Hauser on the floor.

The Celtics were a startling 6.2 points better (per 100 possessions) with Hauser on the floor in the postseason, a number that would blow away even his staunchest supporters. He became a legitimate weapon throughout the season, and helped provide elite spacing around the core six, ultimately playing an instrumental role in a championship run.

To get a player like that for a touch over $11 million a season is... stunning. When you look at contracts around the league (4/80 for Grant Williams, 4/62 for Max Strus, 5/90 for Duncan Robinson) you begin to see how ludicrous it is that the Celtics secured a player of Hauser's caliber for the figure they did. If he continues to improve, forget it: this could quickly become the best contract in the league.

Grade: A++++

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