Analysis: Celtics are most likely to trade key role players this summer

As the NBA offseason approaches, the Boston Celtics will likely attract interest from teams in the league. Brad Stevens may adjust the team's roster in the 2025-26 season. Chris Mannicks of Sports Illustrated told NBC Boston Sports Channel that the Celtics are most likely to trade Sam Hauser this summer.

"In my opinion, Hauser is the most likely candidate to be traded because there is (Baylor) Sherman that can effectively fill his place," Mannicks said. "I think they would love to find a next home for Ju Holiday because of his contract and the current situation of the team. As for (Christaps) Porzingis, who knows? I don't think they want to sign a contract that lasts longer than Porzingis, but he can definitely trade."

Houser is one of the best outside scorers in the NBA. His catch and shoot skills are top notch. Additionally, he has proven himself a reliable player for defensive starters and role players. So it's not hard to imagine other teams trying to poach him from Boston.

Nevertheless, Boston could not bear the impact of the second luxury tax based on Hauser's salary alone. Therefore, at least one player in the team's roster needs to leave.

Michael Scotto also listed Hauser as a trading chip

In a June 4 report for HoopsHype, Michael Scotto listed Sam Hauser as a player in the Boston rotation who could be sold on the trading market. Scotto also pointed out that Ju Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis may also leave the team.

"Another trade candidate worthy of attention in the eyes of the league executives is sharpshooter Sam Hauser, who has shot up to 42% in his career three-point shooting percentage and has been a stable rotation player for the Boston Celtics over the past three seasons," Scotto reported.

For the past 12 months, Hauser has been practicing dribbling and cutting off the attack. So he is now a true double-level scorer who can finish the finish within 4 feet of the basketball or outside the three-point line.

The Celtics may work with potential wildcard players

Recently, Austin Angie left the Celtics to become the president of basketball operations for the Utah Jazz. Brian Rob pointed out in a June 2 article for MassLive that the Utah Jazz could now be the Celtics’ wild card dealer.

"A league source told MassLive that the Jazz were interested in getting Kristaps Porzingis and Ju Holiday through trade back in 2023, but both players ended up joining the Boston Celtics," Rob wrote. "Both players have appeared in the trading market again this year... Whether the Jazz management will be interested in Holiday or Porzingis in a few years will be a question worth pondering, but if the Jazz starts struggling to fight for the playoffs, they could be a huge variable in the NBA offseason."

The Utah Jazz have a strong young veteran combination. Angie can easily provide a tempting trade plan for a key rotation player for the Celtics. Therefore, the possibility of Stevens making lineup adjustments continues to increase. The Celtics are likely to miss the playoffs next season, so it seems to be the most logical to reorganize the team.