BOSTON — The Boston Celtics have earned widespread praise for their on-court performance, which has positioned them for championship contention. Off the court, President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens pulled off an even bigger feat. He saved the team about $325 million in tax payments by moving under the luxury tax line at the trade deadline. The team also kept its entire core intact, including six players from the 2023-24 championship roster. Early in the season, many expected Sam Hauser to be traded. Reports from Chris Mannix, during his appearance last year on the The Bill Simmons Podcast, fueled that belief.
Celtics’ Wing Succession Plan Takes Unexpected Turn With Sam Hauser, Baylor Scheierman
A Planned Transition That Never Came
The Celtics appeared ready to replace Sam Hauser with Baylor Scheierman. They entered the season with a projected $500 million payroll. That forced them to cut costs, especially with Jayson Tatum recovering from surgery. Mannix identified Hauser as the most expendable piece. He pointed to Boston’s roster construction and financial constraints. “I think the peeling off is going to be the Hauser’s [deal],” Mannix said. “The guys you have ready-made replacements for.” He reinforced that stance. “I think Sam Hauser is probably gone. The second he signed that contract… there’s no way.”
Hauser’s contract looked like a luxury Boston could not justify. The front office drafted Scheierman in the 2024 draft. They viewed him as a long-term replacement. Both players fit the same archetype. They are 3-and-D wings who thrive on shooting. Hauser shoots 41.5% from three for his career. That ranks among the league’s elite. Scheierman has shot 38.1% from deep in his sophomore season. He posted 39.0% across a five-year college career. He even hit 46.9% on 5.1 attempts in his junior year at South Dakota State.
Hauser contributed as an impactful defender during the title run. However, he has declined on that end in recent years. Scheierman has improved a lot defensively in his second season. Opponents score five fewer points per 100 possessions when he plays. That places him in the 86th percentile league-wide. He is trending toward elite 3-and-D status.
Boston Chooses Depth Over Financial Logic
Despite Scheierman’s projected fit, Boston kept Hauser at the trade deadline. Stevens prioritized continuity over cost-cutting. Head coach Joe Mazzulla runs a three-point-heavy offense. That system demands volume shooting. Keeping both wings strengthens that identity. Boston now controls two elite floor spacers on team-friendly deals for the foreseeable future.
This decision signals intent. The Celtics want to extend their championship window around Jaylen Brown and Tatum. Stevens avoided a forced roster downgrade. He preserved flexibility while maintaining production. That balance is rare under the current CBA.
Hauser becomes extension-eligible next July. Scheierman will reach that stage around the same time. If Boston and Scheierman do not agree during the season, he will hit restricted free agency in 2028. The Celtics hold leverage in both cases. Stevens positioned the franchise to sustain success without sacrificing talent.
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