Report reveals which Celtics player is most likely to be traded

The Boston Celtics are widely expected to be active on the trade market this summer as they look to shed salary, and there has been a lot of speculation that they could trade a star player. One reporter thinks a popular role player is more likely to be moved, however.

Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated discussed the Celtics' upcoming offseason during a Wednesday appearance on "The Off C'Season" show from NBC Sports Boston. Mannix said rival teams are operating as if Boston will have "a little something for everybody" in terms of potential trades.

Does that mean Jaylen Brown and his $300M contract are available? What about Kristaps Porzingis and/or defensive specialist Jrue Holiday? Mannix believes sharpshooter Sam Hauser is the "most likely candidate" to be dealt.

"Hauser, to me, is the most likely candidate to go, just because you have (Baylor) Scheierman there to effectively fill his role," Mannix said, via Nick Goss of NBC Sports Boston. "I think they'd love to find a home for Jrue Holiday, just because of the contract and where they are as a team. (Kristaps) Porzingis, who knows? I don't think they want to take on contracts that go on longer than Porzingis' deal, but he's certainly available."

Hauser is entering the first year of a four-year, $45M extension he signed last summer. He shot 41.6% from three-point range this season, so he has the skills that teams covet in a bench player.

Derrick White, who signed a four-year, $125.9M extension last year, is another player who has been mentioned in trade rumors. It does not sound like the Celtics want to part with the star point guard, however.

Jayson Tatum suffered a torn Achilles during the playoffs and could potentially miss the entire 2025-26 season. The Celtics have luxury tax problems, and they might be more inclined to make significant moves if they do not feel they can contend for a title next year.

Trading Hauser would not exactly constitute a blockbuster deal, but it is a move that might make sense for Boston given their current situation.