Sam Hauser Eases Pressure on Brad Stevens with Trade Deadline Looming

With the February 5 trade deadline approaching, the Boston Celtics face crucial decisions regarding their roster. Among the players under evaluation is Sam Hauser, whose performance this season has fallen short of expectations.

Sam Hauser’s Struggles This Season

In a recent game against the Indiana Pacers, the Celtics suffered a narrow 98-96 defeat. This loss highlighted the team’s struggles, particularly in the absence of star player Jaylen Brown. Hauser’s performance was notably disappointing, contributing to the offense’s inefficiency.

• Hauser recorded 2 of 7 shooting, continuing a trend of below-par performances.
• He has had multiple games with sub-30% shooting and even went scoreless in some outings.
• Currently, he remains a net negative for the Celtics this season.

Contract Considerations and Team Goals

Hauser is in his first season of a four-year contract valued at $45 million. While not exorbitant, it presents challenges for the team as they seek flexibility under the salary cap. Celtics President Brad Stevens has emphasized a strong push for contention in the 2025-26 season. Moving Hauser could facilitate this goal.

Comparing Sam Hauser and Anfernee Simons

Although some have suggested trading Anfernee Simons, the focus has shifted more toward Hauser as the Celtics reassess their lineup. Simons has proven his value off the bench in January, while Hauser’s contributions have diminished.

• Simons’ consistent performance makes him a less likely trade candidate.
• Hauser’s declining status raises questions about his future in Boston.

The Future of Sam Hauser

Once a key player during the Celtics’ strong seasons from 2023-25, Hauser is now struggling to maintain his former role. The emergence of younger players like Hugo Gonzalez and Jordan Walsh provides the team with promising alternatives who offer versatility.

While Hauser still possesses shooting skills that can impact games, his fit within the current roster lacks scalability. If the Celtics want to remain competitive, they must consider shifting his role or exploring trade options significantly before the deadline.

The next few games will be critical. A continued decline in performance could see both Hauser and potentially Simons finding themselves on the trading block as the Celtics aim to enhance their championship prospects.