Nathaniel Holloway of Athlon Sports listed Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser as a potential trade target for the Philadelphia 76ers next season.
“While Sam Hauser has survived the Boston Celtics’ roster reconstruction this offseason, he has still found himself in trade rumors and it would not be a surprise to see Boston move him this season,” Holloway wrote. “The 27-year-old forward is a great 3-point shooter who would give the 76ers a much-needed scoring option off the bench, especially with them looking to move Kelly Oubre Jr. Despite this, Hauser will likely draw attention from many teams around the NBA if the Celtics look to move him which could cause the 76ers to have to win a bidding war for the former champion.”
But the Celtics shouldn’t be looking to trade Hauser anytime soon.
Why shouldn’t the Celtics trade Sam Hauser?
Hauser is one of the best three-point shooters in the NBA. He’s shot 40% or better from beyond the arc in each of his first four seasons, and the last three have come on at least 4.0 attempts per game (and at least 5.0 in the last two years).
That consistency is what helps Hauser stand out among the league’s elite from long range. Few people can shoot 40% from deep two years in a row, especially on high volume, and he’s managed to do it for three consecutive seasons. Plus, he’s turned himself into a quality defender.
On top of that, Hauser will be under contract for the next four seasons, making $10.0 million, $10.8 million, $11.6 million, and then $12.5 million. For a three-point shooter of Hauser’s caliber, that’s a steal of a contract.
Once Jayson Tatum returns from his injury, the Celtics will be looking to compete for championships again. Hauser is the exact type of player they should be looking to have on board.
He provides a very necessary skill with his shooting, and he’s not making a ton of money, meaning he can remain on the roster without being too much of a risk to the CBA.
Holloway mentioned that the Sixers could be looking to move off of Kelly Oubre Jr., but if that is who they offered Boston in a trade, the Celtics should immediately shut them down.
Not only should the Celtics do everything they can to keep Hauser on the team moving forward, but Philadelphia doesn’t seem to have the assets to beat other teams in a bidding war.