The Boston Celtics have undergone a significant financial overhaul this offseason, with President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens masterfully shedding hefty contracts to position the team favorably under the NBA’s luxury tax constraints. The Celtics are now just $9.4 million away from escaping the luxury tax entirely, a remarkable feat considering their previous proximity to the second apron. However, to achieve this goal and prepare for the 2026-27 season—when star Jayson Tatum is expected to return from his torn Achilles injury—Boston may need to make a tough decision: trading one of their most valuable bench players, Sam Hauser.
Sam Hauser: A Bargain Sharpshooter
Sam Hauser, with a contract worth less than $13 million per year, is a steal in today’s NBA salary cap landscape. His elite three-point shooting—consistently above 40% from beyond the arc—makes him one of the league’s most cost-effective role players. For the Celtics, Hauser’s ability to stretch the floor has been a key component of their offensive system, complementing stars like Tatum and Jaylen Brown. However, his affordable deal also makes him an attractive trade chip for a team looking to trim salary and avoid punitive luxury tax penalties.
Lakers’ Interest: A Strategic Fit
Enter the Los Angeles Lakers, a team perpetually in search of players who can bolster their championship aspirations. With LeBron James and Luka Dončić leading the charge, the Lakers are building a roster designed to maximize floor spacing and capitalize on their stars’ playmaking. Hauser’s sharpshooting would be a perfect fit, providing a reliable target for the open looks generated by James and Dončić’s drive-and-kick game. According to sources, the Lakers have expressed interest in acquiring Hauser if Boston decides to make him available, viewing him as a critical piece to elevate their bench scoring.
Hauser’s fit in Los Angeles is undeniable. His ability to knock down open threes would thrive in a system where defenses are forced to collapse on the Lakers’ star duo. Compared to his role in Boston, where he often operates within a crowded rotation of offensive weapons, Hauser could see even more open shots in LA, potentially elevating his impact.
The Celtics’ Dilemma
For Boston, trading Hauser to a historic rival like the Lakers would be a bitter pill to swallow. Stevens, known for his calculated approach, would likely demand a significant overpay to part with such a valuable asset. The Celtics’ front office is acutely aware of Hauser’s importance to their depth, especially as they navigate a 2025-26 season without Tatum. However, with the team’s long-term financial health in mind, moving Hauser’s $45 million contract (over the life of his deal) could be the final step to slipping under the luxury tax entirely.
The 2025-26 season presents a unique opportunity for Boston to reset their financial slate. By ducking the luxury tax, the Celtics can avoid the NBA’s repeater tax penalties and gain flexibility to retool around Tatum’s return in 2026-27. This strategy would position them for another championship run, leveraging their core of young talent and draft assets to rebuild a contender.
Lakers’ Championship Blueprint
The Lakers’ interest in Hauser reveals their broader championship plan: surround their superstar tandem with cost-effective, high-impact role players. While James and Dončić command the spotlight, LA’s front office is focused on building a supporting cast that can compete with the league’s elite. Hauser’s ability to stretch defenses and punish opponents from deep aligns perfectly with this vision. His acquisition would signal the Lakers’ intent to maximize their current window with James while transitioning toward a Dončić-led future.
However, prying Hauser from Boston won’t be easy. The Celtics are unlikely to hand over a key contributor to a rival without a substantial return, potentially involving draft picks or a young prospect. For the Lakers, the question becomes whether they’re willing to pay the price to secure a player who could be the missing piece in their title puzzle.
A High-Stakes Chess Game
As the offseason unfolds, the potential Hauser trade looms as a fascinating subplot in the NBA’s financial and competitive landscape. For the Celtics, it’s a chance to solidify their long-term flexibility while preparing for Tatum’s return. For the Lakers, it’s a bold move to bolster their championship aspirations with a proven sharpshooter. The outcome of this potential deal could reshape both teams’ trajectories, exposing the delicate balance between immediate contention and future planning.
One thing is clear: the Lakers’ pursuit of Sam Hauser is more than just a trade rumor—it’s a window into their relentless drive to build a championship-caliber roster around two of the game’s biggest stars.