3 Boston Celtics who could unexpectedly be traded if Cs blow Finals lead
Shout-out to Sam Hauser ☘️
— Tomek Kordylewski (@Timi_093) June 7, 2024
Found his shot after struggling in the Conference Finals, hit two threes en route to 8 points off the bench and then also played some solid defense. And how about that super-quick release on his second 3-pointer: pic.twitter.com/AjQ03PPIJW
Sam Hauser
Any blockbuster deal the Celtics could make this offseason that would net Boston the best player in the deal could use a salary throw-in like Sam Hauser, who brings immense value at a bargain rate and could fit into nearly any trade.
Hauser became a must-play in the postseason after a brilliant regular season in which he shot 42% on 5.9 attempts from beyond the arc, and he rewarded the Cs with a brilliant Eastern Conference Quarterfinals series against the Miami Heat (48% from three). Unfortunately, his hot hand didn't hold, and he fell off against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round and was close to unplayable in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers -- making just one of his 14 deep-balls.
He's been up and down through the first two games of the Finals, but has a chance to impress in expanded minutes with Porzingis out. Of course, if he plays a minimal role for the Cs, the front office could look to avoid the long-term payday and deal him anyway.
But if he plays well and Boston still loses, Hauser is a value-add in a bigger trade this offseason.