After recently securing a championship, the Boston Celtics committed to extending key players like Derrick White and All-Star forward Jayson Tatum. However, their choice to extend Sam Hauser’s contract also carries significant financial implications for the team’s future.
The Celtics have signed Hauser to a four-year, $45 million extension, affirming his role as a crucial member of their championship core. Hauser, who went undrafted from Virginia in 2021, became an essential part of the Celtics last season, averaging a career-high 9.0 points per game and hitting 42.4% of his three-point attempts, ranking 11th in the NBA. This extension will keep Hauser with the Celtics until the end of the 2028-29 season, with the first year set at $2 million before the full extension takes effect. His shooting and floor-spacing have made him a valuable complement to All-Star teammates Tatum and White, who have also secured new contracts with the Celtics.
Standing at 6’8″, Hauser brings size and shooting ability to the forward position. His remarkable performance of 10 three-pointers in under 23 minutes against the Washington Wizards last season highlighted his elite perimeter skills. With several key players now under contract, the Celtics aim to maintain stability and build on their 2023-24 Finals appearance.
NBA Insider Analyzes the Financial Impact of Sam Hauser’s Extension
In the offseason, the Celtics’ management focused on securing important players like Hauser. NBA insider Bobby Marks noted on X that extending Hauser will impact the team’s financial outlook. Adding Hauser’s new deal is projected to increase Boston’s luxury tax burden, with the team anticipated to have $225 million in salary and a $210 million tax bill for the 2025-26 season. To manage this, the Celtics might need to offload contracts like Kristaps Porzingis’ to avoid exceeding the second apron threshold.
The long-term effects of Boston’s decision to retain most of their roster remain uncertain. Fans will be closely watching to see if Hauser proves to be worth his new contract.