In an impressive move aimed at strengthening their roster for the foreseeable future, the Boston Celtics have secured a four-year, $45 million contract extension with sharpshooter Sam Hauser. This new deal accentuates Hauser's journey from going undrafted out of the University of Virginia in 2021 to becoming a vital contributing member of the Celtics' lineup.
Hauser's Journey to the Celtics
Sam Hauser's path to the NBA was anything but conventional. Despite an impressive collegiate career at the University of Virginia, he went undrafted in 2021. However, the Boston Celtics saw potential in Hauser’s three-point shooting prowess and wasted no time in signing him immediately after the draft. Since then, Hauser has proven his value on the hardwood with a career average of over 42% on 3-pointers, making him one of the league’s deadliest marksmen from beyond the arc.
With his new contract, Hauser will earn $2 million in the upcoming season, signifying the Celtics' commitment to build around his shooting abilities and further integrating him into their game plan. His extension reflects the faith the Celtics organization has in his potential to make significant contributions over the next four years.
Roster Strengthened: Key Deals and Extensions
The Celtics' offseason activity has not been limited to Hauser’s extension. The team has made significant financial commitments to solidify their roster. Jayson Tatum has been locked in with a supermax extension, ensuring that the team’s cornerstone player will remain a Celtic for the foreseeable future. Further bolstering their lineup, Derrick White has agreed to a four-year, $125.9 million deal, providing stability and consistency in their backcourt.
Notably, the Celtics are currently over the second apron line, reflecting their willingness to spend in pursuit of championship aspirations. The team is slated to have approximately $225 million in salary commitments for the 2025-26 season, which also includes an estimated $210 million luxury tax bill. This substantial financial outlay underscores the team's drive to compete at the highest levels of the NBA.
Additional roster moves include re-signing Xavier Tillman for the minimum, ensuring depth and versatility in the Celtics' frontcourt. While Oshae Brissett and Svi Mykhailiuk are not expected to return for the upcoming season, the Celtics' management remains confident in their strengthened squad.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, the Celtics face critical decisions that will shape their long-term strategy. Kristaps Porzingis, a key component of their frontcourt, is slated for free agency in 2026. His potential departure or retention will be pivotal to the team’s aspirations and performance in the coming years.
The Celtics’ proactive approach to securing key players like Hauser, Tatum, and White demonstrates their commitment to building a team capable of contending for championships. The financial commitments made this offseason indicate that the front office is not shy about investing heavily in their roster, aiming to maximize their potential during this competitive window.
In summary, with Hauser’s new contract extension and other key player agreements, the Boston Celtics are poised to remain a formidable force in the NBA landscape. Their well-calculated moves fortify an already strong roster, setting the stage for what could be an exciting and promising season ahead. With a blend of strategic financial planning and an eye for talent, the Celtics look ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.