Sam Hauser Emerges As Trade Candidate Amid Celtics’ Offseason Rethink

Chief among them? How to build a roster capable of staying afloat while franchise cornerstone Jayson Tatum recovers from a torn Achilles suffered in Game 4 of the second-round series.

According to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, the most likely player to be moved is backup wing Sam Hauser. Known for his elite shooting and steady defense, Hauser is entering the first year of a four-year, $45 million extension — a deal that suddenly looks expensive when viewed through the lens of Boston’s looming luxury tax penalties.

While the Celtics aren’t expected to hit the reset button, they are a second-apron team with little financial flexibility. Hauser’s deal, manageable on its own, would trigger a significantly higher tax bill if kept on the books, making him a logical piece to dangle in trade talks.

Hauser, 26, shot 42.4% from deep last season and averaged 9.0 points in a bench role that helped stabilize Boston’s second unit. But with Tatum sidelined and financial constraints tightening, the Celtics may opt to replace Hauser’s production internally.

Enter Baylor Scheierman.

The rookie out of Creighton brings a similar skill set — shooting, size, and feel — and could be viewed as a plug-and-play option if coach Joe Mazzulla deems him ready. Mannix notes that Scheierman is a candidate to assume Hauser’s role, a move that would give Boston cost control without sacrificing too much on the perimeter.

Much of Boston’s core remains intact, including Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Kristaps Porzingis. But Tatum’s injury creates a void, not just on the court, but in how the team allocates minutes and money in his absence.

Now, the Celtics must thread the needle, stay competitive without mortgaging the future, and manage a luxury tax bill that grows with every non-essential contract. Hauser’s name is on the board. Whether it stays there will be a key subplot to watch this summer.