The Boston Celtics could soon part ways with one of their most talented scorers as they continue reshaping their roster to manage salary cap pressures. Following a busy 2025 offseason that saw several fan favorites leave, recent reports suggest that the Celtics may look to move both Anfernee Simons and possibly Sam Hauser to further reduce luxury-tax costs.
Boston Celtics’ Offseason Fire Sale
After their 2024 championship run, Boston’s front office made several tough decisions in an attempt to restructure financially. Veterans Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis, and Jrue Holiday were all moved as part of a calculated effort to duck under the second tax apron.
Holiday’s departure, however, brought in a promising return. The Boston Celtics acquired Anfernee Simons from the Portland Trail Blazers - a 6-foot-3 guard known for his sharp shooting and explosive scoring ability. Simons had previously flourished under Damian Lillard’s mentorship in Portland, and his 38.1% career three-point shooting on 6.5 attempts per game made him an exciting addition to the roster.
Yet, even with Simons on board, Boston’s financial situation remains tight. The team still sits roughly $12.1 million above the $187.9 million luxury-tax threshold, with the repeater tax looming large due to consecutive years of exceeding the limit.
Key Salary Breakdown
Financial Motivation Behind the Moves
Boston’s situation has led to speculation that the front office could explore salary-dump trades before the 2025-26 trade deadline. According to writer Dean Simon of Sporting News, “Unless their depleted roster works its way back into championship contention, the Boston Celtics might be motivated to keep slashing and burning, which could put Anfernee Simons on the chopping block.”
Simons’ contract makes him a prime target for such a move. Unless Boston parts ways with one of their star trio Tatum, Brown, or White - trading Simons could be the cleanest way to save money. A deal that reduces salary by at least $12.1 million would allow the Boston Celtics to drop below the tax threshold and avoid further penalties.
Alternatively, the team could also consider moving sharpshooting forward Sam Hauser and a player on a minimum contract to achieve similar financial relief.
The Sam Hauser Factor
Hauser’s name emerging in trade talks would be surprising. The undrafted wing has earned a reputation as one of the league’s elite shooters, holding a career 42.0% three-point mark. His consistency from deep and ability to stretch the floor have been vital to Boston’s offensive schemes.
The Boston Celtics rewarded Hauser’s steady rise with a four-year, $45 million extension in the summer of 2024, signaling their confidence in his role long-term. However, the team’s recent cost-cutting direction may force them to reconsider even dependable contributors like him.
A “Gap Year” Approach for Boston
The organization appears to be treating the 2025-26 campaign as a transitional phase. With Jayson Tatum sidelined by an Achilles injury suffered during the 2025 postseason, Boston’s focus has shifted from immediate contention to financial recalibration and player development.
Trading Simons - a $100 million scorer - would further indicate the Celtics’ willingness to embrace this “gap year” approach while resetting for the future.
If the Boston Celtics decide to move Simons or Hauser, it will mark yet another step in their ongoing financial restructuring following their 2024 title. Simons remains the most likely player to be dealt, given his salary and the team’s luxury-tax challenges, while a Hauser trade would signal a deeper commitment to financial flexibility over roster stability.
Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Golden State Warriors Could Sign $127 Million Oklahoma City Thunder Superstar to Bolster Squad Around Stephen Curry and Al Horford
As the trade deadline nears, all eyes will be on Boston’s front office to see whether the franchise prioritizes long-term savings or attempts one final push toward competitiveness in the post-Tatum recovery phase.
Boston Celtics’ Offseason Fire Sale
After their 2024 championship run, Boston’s front office made several tough decisions in an attempt to restructure financially. Veterans Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis, and Jrue Holiday were all moved as part of a calculated effort to duck under the second tax apron.
Holiday’s departure, however, brought in a promising return. The Boston Celtics acquired Anfernee Simons from the Portland Trail Blazers - a 6-foot-3 guard known for his sharp shooting and explosive scoring ability. Simons had previously flourished under Damian Lillard’s mentorship in Portland, and his 38.1% career three-point shooting on 6.5 attempts per game made him an exciting addition to the roster.
Yet, even with Simons on board, Boston’s financial situation remains tight. The team still sits roughly $12.1 million above the $187.9 million luxury-tax threshold, with the repeater tax looming large due to consecutive years of exceeding the limit.
Key Salary Breakdown
Financial Motivation Behind the Moves
Boston’s situation has led to speculation that the front office could explore salary-dump trades before the 2025-26 trade deadline. According to writer Dean Simon of Sporting News, “Unless their depleted roster works its way back into championship contention, the Boston Celtics might be motivated to keep slashing and burning, which could put Anfernee Simons on the chopping block.”
Simons’ contract makes him a prime target for such a move. Unless Boston parts ways with one of their star trio Tatum, Brown, or White - trading Simons could be the cleanest way to save money. A deal that reduces salary by at least $12.1 million would allow the Boston Celtics to drop below the tax threshold and avoid further penalties.
Alternatively, the team could also consider moving sharpshooting forward Sam Hauser and a player on a minimum contract to achieve similar financial relief.
The Sam Hauser Factor
Hauser’s name emerging in trade talks would be surprising. The undrafted wing has earned a reputation as one of the league’s elite shooters, holding a career 42.0% three-point mark. His consistency from deep and ability to stretch the floor have been vital to Boston’s offensive schemes.
The Boston Celtics rewarded Hauser’s steady rise with a four-year, $45 million extension in the summer of 2024, signaling their confidence in his role long-term. However, the team’s recent cost-cutting direction may force them to reconsider even dependable contributors like him.
A “Gap Year” Approach for Boston
The organization appears to be treating the 2025-26 campaign as a transitional phase. With Jayson Tatum sidelined by an Achilles injury suffered during the 2025 postseason, Boston’s focus has shifted from immediate contention to financial recalibration and player development.
Trading Simons - a $100 million scorer - would further indicate the Celtics’ willingness to embrace this “gap year” approach while resetting for the future.
If the Boston Celtics decide to move Simons or Hauser, it will mark yet another step in their ongoing financial restructuring following their 2024 title. Simons remains the most likely player to be dealt, given his salary and the team’s luxury-tax challenges, while a Hauser trade would signal a deeper commitment to financial flexibility over roster stability.
Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Golden State Warriors Could Sign $127 Million Oklahoma City Thunder Superstar to Bolster Squad Around Stephen Curry and Al Horford
As the trade deadline nears, all eyes will be on Boston’s front office to see whether the franchise prioritizes long-term savings or attempts one final push toward competitiveness in the post-Tatum recovery phase.
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