In a jaw-dropping offseason development that has Celtics Nation holding its breath, sharpshooting forward Sam Hauser—a fan favorite and one of the league’s most lethal snipers—is suddenly on Boston’s potential chopping block. After a rollercoaster playoff run ending in disappointment and injury, the Celtics front office may be preparing to make some painful decisions—and Hauser could be the first major casualty.
A Season That Went Up in Flames
Just months ago, the Boston Celtics were riding high, seemingly destined to repeat as NBA champions. With Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and a solid supporting cast, fans and analysts alike were betting on another title banner being raised in TD Garden. But dreams came crashing down in the Eastern Conference Semifinals when Tatum suffered a devastating Achilles tendon rupture.
The injury was a nightmare scenario—not just for Tatum, but for Boston’s long-term championship aspirations. Although the New York Knicks ultimately advanced, insiders say the series was likely out of reach for Boston after Tatum’s collapse. Now, the team faces a painful offseason, full of uncertainty, tough calls, and likely—cost-cutting.
Hauser the Hot Commodity?
Enter Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, who recently dropped a bombshell during a segment that’s now making the rounds among NBA insiders and fans.
“Whenever I talk to teams about Boston, they’re almost viewed as a target where they’ve got a little something for everybody. If you want a wing player, you can try to pull Sam Hauser out of there. If you need a defensive-minded guard, Jrue Holiday is available. I just think teams are waiting to see how deep the cuts with Boston are going to go. We all know they’re going to slice away some of this payroll,” Mannix said.
It’s a quote that’s as ominous as it is intriguing. With Boston’s cap sheet bulging and the NBA’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement imposing tighter financial shackles, the Celtics could be forced to part ways with valuable but non-superstar players like Hauser.
Why Hauser?
It’s not just the money—though that plays a big part. Hauser signed a lucrative four-year, $45 million extension with Boston, which kicks in next season. His cap hit jumps to $10.4 million, a figure that could prove too steep given the team’s current financial structure. Despite the raise, Hauser isn’t the type of “big” you build your roster around. Instead, he’s a specialist—a 6-foot-8 sniper who spaces the floor and torches opponents from three-point range, having shot over 40% from deep across his career.
Hauser played in 71 games last season, starting 19 and averaging 21.7 minutes per contest. His role was crucial, especially in moments when Boston’s offense needed an extra perimeter threat. But is his specialty still worth the price tag, especially as Boston retools?
A Trade Waiting to Happen?
Behind the scenes, the buzz is getting louder. Rival teams see Boston as vulnerable—ripe for talent extraction. With superstars like Tatum recovering from injury and Jrue Holiday already in the trade rumor mill, Boston might be forced to make moves they’d rather avoid. Hauser’s elite shooting makes him an attractive trade chip for franchises looking to bolster their perimeter game without mortgaging their future.
Whether it’s a mid-tier contender seeking an offensive spark or a rebuilding squad wanting a proven vet to stretch the floor, Hauser’s phone might be ringing off the hook this summer. And for Celtics fans? That’s a harsh pill to swallow.
What’s Next for Boston?
One thing’s for certain: the Celtics won’t be running it back with the exact same roster. Between ballooning payroll, injury uncertainty, and the ticking clock on a championship window, big changes are looming. And if Sam Hauser is the first domino to fall, don’t be surprised if the rest of the league comes knocking—and quickly.
