Brad Stevens has spent the best part of the past year getting the Boston Celtics below the luxury tax. He’s parted ways with Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, Luke Kornet and, more recently, Anfernee Simons and Josh Minott to make that happen.
Nevertheless, Boston will be heading into the summer within touching distance of the luxury tax. After all, despite their on-court success, the Celtics are still a retooling roster. Therefore, more changes are likely to occur during the summer.
According to Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz, Sam Hauser could be the player most likely to be floated in trade discussions by the Celtics. That is, if they’re looking to continue reshaping the rotation while getting under and most cost-controlled.
“Assuming the Boston Celtics keep their core of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Derrick White moving forward, Sam Hauser is the next priciest part of the rotation,” Swartz wrote. “His $10.8 million salary for next year doesn’t chew up much of the cap sheet. Although, it could be used to help match money in a potential deal for another star.”
Swartz continued.
“With younger, cheaper forwards on the roster like Baylor Scheierman, Hugo González and Jordan Walsh, the 28-year-old Hauser may be the most likely player to hit the trade block if the Celtics like what they see from the young core.”
Celtics Have An Elite Shooter In Sam Hauser
While Swartz makes a good point about Hauser’s contract, it’s hard to envision the Celtics parting ways with him.
Joe Mazzulla’s Celtics are built on maximizing possessions and dominating from the three-point line. Hauser is among the best perimeter shooters, both off the catch and on the move, in the NBA.
Even this season, where he’s dealt with multiple swings, Hauser is still converting at a 38.2% clip on 6.5 attempts. That will be a career low for him in terms of shooting percentage.
So, unless the Celtics are concerned that Hauser can’t return to being a 40%+ shooter, it makes sense to keep him around. After all, he’s a proven defender at a couple of positions, has played in big games and brings championship experience.
Unless trading Hauser is part of a bigger deal to acquire a star, it’s hard to envision him being shipped out of Boston.
Hauser Does Face Compeition For Celtics Spot
Despite Hauser’s upside as a shooter, he is arguably the most single-skilled talent in Boston’s forward rotation. Baylor Scheierman is a three-level scorer who can rebound and create off the bounce. Hugo Gonzalez has the potential to be an elite defender while being a solid slasher and spot-up shooter.
Then there’s Jordan Walsh, who may or may not be with the team next season.
Stevens will have some tough decisions to make as he continues to tweak the roster. Hauser’s position on the team is likely among them. Still, as currently constructed, Boston is better with Hauser on the team. Not only for his ability to knock down shots, but also due to the gravity he possesses when on the court.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Sam Hauser Predicted To Hit Trade Block If Celtics Continue Roster Reshaping appeared first on Heavy Sports.