The Boston Celtics, one of the NBA’s most storied franchises, find themselves at a crossroads as the 2026 summer approaches. After a year spent maneuvering below the luxury tax threshold, President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens has already made a series of bold moves—parting ways with key veterans like Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, Luke Kornet, Anfernee Simons, and Josh Minott. Yet, despite the team’s on-court success and a roster that continues to deliver in the Eastern Conference, Boston’s front office is still tinkering, looking to balance championship aspirations with financial sustainability.
As the Celtics gear up for what promises to be an eventful offseason, one name is surfacing again and again in trade rumors: Sam Hauser. According to Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz, Hauser could be the most likely Celtic to hit the trade block if the team decides to continue reshaping its rotation. Swartz writes, “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. 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.”
Hauser, now 28, is no stranger to speculation. He’s carved out a reputation as one of the NBA’s premier perimeter shooters, boasting a career three-point percentage north of 41%. Even in a season marked by ups and downs, he’s converting at a 38.2% clip on 6.5 attempts per game—a career low, but still an elite mark by league standards. For a Celtics team built by coach Joe Mazzulla around maximizing possessions and dominating from beyond the arc, Hauser’s shooting gravity is a critical asset. He’s not just a spot-up threat; he can hit shots on the move, stretching defenses and opening lanes for Boston’s stars.
But Hauser brings more than just a sweet shooting stroke. He’s proven himself as a capable defender across multiple positions and, perhaps most importantly, he’s played in big games, contributing valuable championship experience. For a franchise with its eyes set on another banner, those intangibles matter. As Swartz puts it, “Unless trading Hauser is part of a bigger deal to acquire a star, it’s hard to envision him being shipped out of Boston.”
Yet, the Celtics’ roster is in flux. The emergence of younger, cost-controlled forwards like Baylor Scheierman, Hugo González, and Jordan Walsh is putting pressure on the team’s rotation. Scheierman, a three-level scorer who can rebound and create off the dribble, offers a versatile offensive profile. González, meanwhile, is drawing attention for his defensive upside and ability to slash to the rim, while also being a credible spot-up shooter. Walsh’s future with the team is less certain, but he remains in the mix as Stevens evaluates his options.
“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,” Swartz continued. The Celtics’ front office faces some tough decisions as they weigh the value of Hauser’s proven skillset against the potential of their developing talent.
Meanwhile, the rest of the Eastern Conference isn’t standing still. The Detroit Pistons, surprisingly sitting atop the conference as the first seed, are already plotting their own summer upgrades. According to a recent Bleacher Report roundup, the Pistons are keeping a close eye on potential trade candidates across the league—Hauser included. Detroit’s need for reliable three-point shooting makes Hauser an intriguing target, especially since his $10 million contract would be “easy for the Pistons to absorb if the Celtics are just looking to cut money.”
“Hauser isn’t the most dynamic player, but he does one thing very well, which is shoot the 3-ball, which happens to be a skill the Pistons need,” noted the Detroit analysis. With a career mark above 41% from long range, Hauser’s fit in Detroit’s system is clear. Still, the Pistons’ front office may not be looking for a flashy move if they make a deep playoff run, indicating that a Hauser deal would be more about solidifying the rotation than making headlines.
The Pistons’ summer wish list doesn’t end there. Other names floating in trade rumors include Michael Porter Jr., Kyrie Irving, Obi Toppin, Andrew Wiggins, and even guards from the Orlando Magic like Anthony Black or Jalen Suggs. Each comes with their own set of contract and performance considerations. For example, Kyrie Irving, though an excellent shooter and creator with championship pedigree, is coming off a serious injury and carries a hefty contract. Andrew Wiggins, still productive at 31, could be moved by the Heat as they chase bigger stars, but his $30 million salary complicates matters.
The Pistons’ current success gives them leverage and options, but also raises expectations. As the summer approaches, Detroit’s front office will have to decide whether to pursue a big swing or focus on incremental improvements. Hauser, with his affordable contract and elite shooting, represents a potential low-risk, high-reward acquisition—if Boston decides to move on.
For the Celtics, the calculus is more complicated. Hauser’s value is clear: he spaces the floor, defends multiple positions, and brings playoff experience. But with the luxury tax looming and a roster full of promising young forwards, Stevens and his staff must weigh short-term gains against long-term flexibility. The decision to keep or trade Hauser could hinge on what opportunities arise—whether that’s the chance to land another star or the emergence of a young player ready to step into a bigger role.
As the NBA’s offseason rumor mill begins to churn, all eyes will be on Boston’s next move. Will the Celtics double down on their core and keep Hauser in green, or will they use his contract as a springboard for another blockbuster? And will the Pistons, riding high atop the East, pounce on the opportunity to add one of the league’s best shooters to their arsenal? With so much at stake and so many variables in play, one thing’s for sure: the summer of 2026 is shaping up to be anything but quiet for these two contenders.
For now, both teams remain focused on the present, but the winds of change are swirling. The decisions made in the coming months could reshape the balance of power in the Eastern Conference—and perhaps the entire NBA.