Sam Hauser is reportedly the most likely player to be traded by the Boston Celtics this offseason, according to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix. The 27-year-old wing’s four-year, $45 million extension is set to kick in soon, and the Celtics are looking to cut costs to avoid harsh luxury tax penalties. Hauser’s elite 3-point shooting, with a 42% clip from deep since 2022-23, makes him an attractive target for teams needing sharpshooters ¹ ².
*Potential Trade Destinations:*
– *San Antonio Spurs*: A proposed trade involving Hauser going to the Spurs for Julian Champagnie and a second-round pick has been floated. Champagnie averaged 9.9 points per game last season, playing in all 82 games, and would save Boston $7 million against the cap.
– *Orlando Magic*: The Magic, who ranked dead-last in the NBA in 3-point percentage last season, could be interested in acquiring Hauser. However, they’d need to match 100% of their outgoing salary in trades, making a three-team deal possible.
– *Detroit Pistons*: The Pistons, a young team with upside, might be interested in Hauser to bolster their offense and add veteran experience. Boston could look to acquire a young player like Marcus Sasser or Bobi Klintman, who make under $5 million next season.
The Celtics believe Baylor Scheierman, their 2024 first-round pick, can develop into a serviceable rotation player and potentially replace Hauser. Hauser’s trade value stems from his shooting ability, which could appeal to teams looking to strengthen their roster without breaking the bank
