The Celtics insider thinks Boston’s sharpshooter could draw a lot of attention from potential suitors.
Ahead of Wednesday’s NBA draft, Sam Hauser has a ‘robust trade market’ per SI’s Chris Mannix on the Bill Simmons Podcast last night.
“The Market is robust right now for Sam Hauser,” Mannix said. “He’s a 40-plus percent three point shooter, who’s been on a championship team, who’s on a very manageable contract. There’s a lot of teams that could use guys like that.”
He was then warned by Simmons that he could end being aggregated by HoopsHype, which did end up happening. Bill clearly should have mentioned CelticsBlog as well, but I digress.
The Celtics were able to duck the 2nd apron by trading Kristaps Porzings and Jrue Holiday on Monday and Tuesday. However, getting off of Hauser could save Boston even more to allow them to try and re-sign Luke Kornet and Al Horford.
Even if the Celtics do end up losing Horford and Kornet, they could use the $5.7 million mid-level to sign a center in free agency if they are able to clear out enough money.
Or, Boston could use Hauser as a way to try and trade up from 28 and get higher in the draft to try and add a good young player in tonight’s first round. Maybe a team would be willing to take on Xavier Tillman’s money as well.
I am hopeful Boston does not end up needing to move Hauser. He is a really good player who is one of the elite catch-and-shoot players in the league, as a plus 40% shooter throughout his career, which Mannix pointed out. Teams should want to trade for a guy like that who is only going to make around $11 million over the next 4 seasons. That is a player that Boston should want to keep on their roster, even with their need at the 5 spot. Instead, the Celtics should look to trade Georges Niang — another great shooter — who they got from the Hawks for Porzingis, to free up more money.
There are reports out there that the Celtics like Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis so they could use Hauser, 28 and 32 as a way to jump up in the draft and land him. Though, Brad likes to work in silence so I am not sure I believe leaks like these.
Whatever they end up doing, it doesn’t sound like the Celtics are done wheeling and dealing just yet even though they have already gotten under the second apron.