In a major move further solidifying their roster, the Boston Celtics have extended Sam Hauser's contract by four years, amounting to $45 million. This decision reflects the team's commitment to bolstering their shooting capabilities and retaining a player who has demonstrated significant potential since joining the league.
Hauser's Rise from Undrafted to Key Contributor
Hauser, who went undrafted out of the University of Virginia in 2021, quickly caught the Celtics' attention. Despite not being selected on draft night, Boston moved swiftly to sign him. This underdog story has evolved remarkably, with Hauser showcasing his shooting prowess to earn a pivotal role in the team.
Through consistent performance, Hauser has achieved a remarkable career average of over 42% on 3-pointers. His sharpshooting ability has not only been a critical asset for the Celtics but has also established him as one of the league's top marksmen.
Financial Breakdown and Team Strategy
As part of his new contract, Hauser will earn $2 million in the upcoming season. This extension is part of a broader strategy by the Celtics, who are making significant financial commitments to secure their core players. Alongside Hauser, the Celtics have also locked in star forward Jayson Tatum with a supermax extension, underpinning their intent to sustain a competitive squad.
The financial implications of these extensions are considerable. The Celtics have already committed to a four-year, $125.9 million deal for Derrick White. In total, the team projects approximately $225 million in salary commitments for the 2025-26 season, thus placing them firmly over the second apron line. This hefty payroll comes with an estimated $210 million luxury tax bill, underscoring the organization's considerable investment in talent retention and acquisition.
Roster Adjustments and Future Outlook
To complement their roster, the Celtics have re-signed Xavier Tillman at the minimum, adding depth and experience to their lineup. However, the team will see some changes, as Oshae Brissett and Svi Mykhailiuk are not expected to return for the upcoming season. This creates opportunities for other players to step up and fill their roles.
Looking ahead, Kristaps Porzingis is another critical component of the Celtics' strategy, although he is slated for free agency in 2026. Keeping an eye on long-term flexibility, the Celtics are likely to be judicious in managing their salary cap while ensuring they remain contenders in the fiercely competitive NBA landscape.
These moves highlight Boston's diligence in constructing a roster built for sustained success. By investing in young talent like Hauser and securing key players such as Tatum and White, the Celtics are positioning themselves as formidable in both the short and long term. The balance of financial maneuvering and strategic player retention underscores their nuanced approach to building a championship-caliber team.