The Boston Celtics will be looking for upgrades this offseason. One of the most plausible ways they can do so is by trading Sam Hauser in a potential sign-and-trade for an upgrade or a player who better fits the roster's needs. There's only one problem: his value isn't all that high at the moment.
Hauser is not overpaid for his services. He's an excellent three-point shooter (though he's a little streakier compared to the league's best) and an apt defender. This season proved that he was more of specialist than a starter. Making it harder is that his contract lasts for three more years. Even if he's aptly paid, teams don't like long-term investments in that archetype
Heavy Sports' Sean Deveney revealed in a conversation with Eastern Conference executive that because Hauser isn't exactly the most multi-faceted player, it will be hard to move him.
“He’s a tough sell, you’d be struggling on that one,” the exec said about Hauser. “He can shoot. But a lot of guys can shoot now. It’s just, what else can he do to help you win? If you trade for him, it’s the contract. You can tell your fans, ‘We got a shooter,’ but a deal for him, it is more of a way to save some cap and move on than it is about winning.”
That is a pretty accurate way of describing Hauser. While playing well enough not to be taken advantage on defense, Boston has never depended on Hauser to shut down an opponent on defense, or create his own shot, or protect the rim. When it comes down to it, Hauser's asked to do one thing above all else when he takes the floor: shoot threes.
He's good at it, no questions asked. But when knowing the Celtics have other wings capable of doing more (even if they're not the shooters he is), it makes a trade more palatable, even if it appears as though that's going to be hard.
It's not like Hauser staying would be a problem
Basing it on what this executive said about Hauser, it sounds like moving him, while not impossible, feels as far from a given as it gets. Hence, it's very possible that he will be sticking around unless Boston makes any major moves.
Brad Stevens made it sound like that's exactly what the doctor ordered, and a liar, he is not. However, it's very possible those moves may happen while Hauser sticks around. It's hard to figure out how, but Stevens has been a maestro with piecing together deals no one sees coming.
But if Hauser remains a Celtic, would anyone really have a problem with that? He does exactly what Boston wants him to do. He may have his cold spells, but Hauser is still an excellent rotation player even if that's as good as it gets for him.
Fans would prefer an upgrade, but wouldn't have a problem if he sticks around.
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