In what has been an eventful summer for the Boston Celtics, the team is not done making moves just yet. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the reigning champions and forward Sam Hauser have agreed to a four-year, $45 million contract.
Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser – one of the NBA’s most accurate three-point shooters — has agreed on a four-year, $45 million contract extension, his agent Jason Glushon of @GlushonSM tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/TCB0iGoeyd
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 21, 2024
However, this move will have drastic salary implications, per Wojnarowski.
Adding Hauser’s extension to the Celtics’ 2025-2026 payroll elevates it to a projected $225 million with an additional $210 million luxury tax penalty — highest in league and over the second-apron for a second consecutive year.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 21, 2024
Regardless, Hauser has proven that he deserves to stick with the Celtics for the foreseeable future. Last season, the Wisconsin native averaged 9 points and 3.5 rebounds per game while shooting 42.4% from beyond the arc. In an April win against the Charlotte Hornets, Hauser scored 25 points while shooting 7-for-11 from the three-point line, despite only logging 24 minutes.
Boston Celtics Sign Sharpshooter to Multi-Year Contract Extension
Extending Sam Hauser Was a Must for the Celtics
Hauser has spent the first three seasons of his career with Boston after joining as an unrestricted free agent. Each year, he has assumed a larger role and has developed into an essential role player for the team. Last season, Hauser recorded career highs in PPG, RPG, APG, MPG, and total starts. And it is fair to assume that, with this extension, the 26-year-old will continue to be an important player for the Celtics.
The 6’8″ forward has blossomed into an elite shooter and has the tools to become one of the league’s premier three-point threats. At this stage, he is more of a catch-and-shoot type of player, but his shot-creating ability has improved over time. Additionally, he has grown exponentially as a defender. He is not a lockdown defender like some of his teammates, but he certainly provides value on the defensive side of the ball.
As a key piece to Boston’s most recent championship, extending Hauser was a no-brainer for the team.
The Celtics’ Busy Offseason So Far
Extending Hauser is not the only move Boston made this summer. During the offseason, the team re-signed centers Luke Kornet, Neemias Queta, and Xavier Tillman. Additionally, the Celtics brought Drew Peterson and JD Davison back on two-way contracts. And in addition to Hauser, the Celtics extended Jayson Tatum and Derrick White.
Currently, all but two players from last season’s team are on the roster. Oshae Brissett and Svi Mykhailiuk are the only exceptions. At this point, it seems unlikely that Mykhailiuk will return, whereas a reunion with Brissett is reportedly still in play for the Celtics.
Many consider Boston to be among the favorites to win the title again in 2025. The Celtics are fresh off one of the greatest seasons an NBA team has ever seen. Additionally, with the team prioritizing continuity in the roster, the possibility of a repeat is certainly in the mix.
