The Boston Celtics, a team renowned for their relentless pursuit of excellence, are once again at the center of NBA trade speculation as the 2026 summer approaches. With Brad Stevens at the helm of front office decisions, the Celtics have spent the past year meticulously trimming their payroll in an effort to slip below the luxury tax threshold. Gone are familiar faces like Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, Luke Kornet, Anfernee Simons, and Josh Minott, all sacrificed in the name of financial flexibility and future potential. Yet, even with these moves, Boston finds itself teetering on the edge of the luxury tax, suggesting that more roster changes could be on the horizon.
One name that keeps surfacing in trade rumors is Sam Hauser, the sharpshooting forward who has become a staple in Joe Mazzulla’s system. According to Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz, Hauser could be the most likely Celtic to be floated in trade discussions if the front office continues to prioritize cost control and roster retooling. Swartz noted, “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.”
That $10.8 million figure for the 2026-2027 season might not seem exorbitant by NBA standards, but in a league where every dollar counts when building a championship contender, it could be the key to unlocking a major move. Swartz added, “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.”
Despite the swirling rumors, Hauser’s value to the Celtics cannot be overstated. Even during a season where his shooting numbers have dipped—he’s hitting 38.2% from beyond the arc on 6.5 attempts per game, a career low—he remains one of the NBA’s premier perimeter threats. Hauser’s ability to stretch defenses, both off the catch and on the move, is a perfect fit for Mazzulla’s philosophy of maximizing possessions and dominating from the three-point line. As Swartz succinctly put it, unless Boston is eyeing a blockbuster deal for a star, “it’s hard to envision him being shipped out of Boston.”
Hauser’s on-court contributions extend beyond his shooting. He’s a proven defender at multiple positions, has played in high-stakes games, and carries the championship experience from Boston’s 2024 title run. His gravity on the floor opens up lanes for stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, making him more than just a specialist. Still, the Celtics’ roster is brimming with competition. Baylor Scheierman, a three-level scorer and strong rebounder, has emerged as a versatile option. Hugo González, the 20-year-old rookie sensation from Madrid, is already turning heads with his defensive prowess and game-changing energy. Jordan Walsh, too, has flashed defensive brilliance and filled in admirably when called upon.
The Celtics’ wing rotation has been a subject of fan debate throughout the 2025-2026 season. In a recent CelticsBlog survey, supporters weighed in on the performances of Boston’s wings. Hauser, a key member of the 2024 championship squad, has started 43 of his 72 games this season. While he’s shooting under 40% from deep for the first time since his college days, fans and analysts alike recognize his reliability as a floor spacer and plus-defender. The depth at the wing has been crucial to Boston’s success, especially in what many thought would be a transitional year for the franchise.
Jordan Walsh’s insertion into the starting lineup on November 12 sparked a remarkable 16-5 run, reinforcing the Celtics’ status as legitimate contenders. Though Walsh’s minutes have fluctuated—he endured a six-game stretch of DNP-CDs early in 2026—his defensive effort never wavered. Baylor Scheierman, after a slow start to the season, has capitalized on his opportunities, impressing with his positional defense and shooting touch. Meanwhile, Hugo González has injected youthful exuberance and is already being touted as a potential playoff x-factor. “This isn’t even a bold prediction: Gonzo will swing a playoff game or two this spring,” one CelticsBlog contributor wrote.
As the Celtics prepared to face the Miami Heat on Wednesday, April 1, all eyes were on Hauser. After coming off the bench in the previous matchup against the Atlanta Hawks—a game in which he scored seven points in a 112-102 loss—Hauser was reinserted into the starting five to provide his trademark floor spacing alongside Tatum. The move came during a cold stretch for Hauser, who averaged just 5.4 points and shot 30.3% from deep over his last eight contests. Yet, with his points prop set at 7.5 for the Miami game and season averages of 8.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.5 steals, and 0.3 blocks, expectations remained high that he could snap out of his slump against a Heat defense ranked just 22nd in the league in points allowed.
Hauser’s recent struggles haven’t dimmed the faith of his coaches or teammates. Joe Mazzulla continues to trust Hauser’s ability to break out of shooting funks and provide the spacing that is so integral to the Celtics’ offensive identity. “Hauser is still a reliable floor spacer for the Jays and plus-defender,” noted CelticsBlog, referencing the dynamic between Hauser and Boston’s All-Star duo.
With Banner 19 still within reach, the Celtics are in the enviable position of balancing present contention with future flexibility. The emergence of young wings like Scheierman and González gives Stevens options, but Hauser’s blend of shooting, defense, and experience makes him a uniquely valuable asset. Whether he remains in green or becomes a trade chip in the quest for another star, his impact on the 2025-2026 Celtics is undeniable.
As the regular season winds down and the playoffs loom, the spotlight will remain on Boston’s wing rotation. Will Hauser rediscover his shooting touch and solidify his place, or will Stevens make another bold move to reshape the roster? For now, Celtics fans can only watch and wonder as the chess match continues, knowing that every decision could tip the balance in the race for another NBA title.