The Boston Celtics are at a crossroads. After a deeply competitive season that ended prematurely in disappointment, the front office is undoubtedly exploring options to bolster their roster ahead of next season. As always, the trade market presents intriguing possibilities, and a trio of players—Sam Hauser, Anfernee Simons, and Georges Niang—are among the names being tossed around, each offering a different profile and potential value.
To understand their potential impact, let’s evaluate each player carefully, considering their contracts, roles, and fit with the Celtics’ current roster. We’ll then decide who to start, bench, and cut, based on their upside, affordability, and strategic fit.Sam Hauser: The Underrated Sharpshooter
Contract: 4 years, $45 million ($11.25M per year)
The 25-year-old forward has shown flashes of being a reliable three-and-D wing, especially with his shooting prowess. In his limited NBA playing time, Hauser has displayed excellent spacing, shooting over 40% from beyond the arc, and a developing defensive awareness.- Elite perimeter shooting
– Versatility as a floor spacer
– Youthful upside and team-friendly contract- Limited athleticism and defensive versatility
– Questionable ability to create his own shot or defend athletic wings consistently
– Has yet to prove he can handle heavy minutes in the playoffs Hauser’s contract is a bargain for his shooting potential, and he fits seamlessly into the Celtics’ offense, which relies heavily on spacing and ball movement. His role could expand as a reliable third or fourth wing, especially if the Celtics prioritize shooting and positional flexibility.
Contract: 1 year, $27.7 million (player option for 2024-25)
The 24-year-old guard has shown flashes of stardom with the Portland Trail Blazers, capable of creating his own shot, attacking the rim, and draining threes. His scoring ability and athleticism make him an enticing target for a team looking to add a dynamic offensive weapon.- Explosive scorer and playmaker
– Can operate as a primary or secondary ball-handler
– Athletic and capable of defending multiple positions- One-year deal (player option) adds uncertainty
– Defensive consistency can fluctuate
– Larger contract for one year may limit flexibility
Trade Value & Fit:
Simons offers a significant upgrade in offensive firepower over many Celtics guards. His ability to generate his own shot and create offense could help Boston in high-pressure situations. However, the one-year term and potential cost make him a risk—especially if the Celtics are wary of overcommitting.
Georges Niang: The Veteran Floor SpacerContract:1 year, $8.2 million
The 30-year-old veteran is known for his sharpshooting, especially in clutch moments. His experience and ability to stretch the floor make him a valuable role player, especially as a bench shooter and locker room presence.- Reliable three-point shooter
– Experienced playoff performer
– Versatile enough to play multiple forward positions- Limited athleticism and defensive upside
– Role limited to spacing and situational minutes
– Less upside compared to younger players
*Trade Value & Fit:
Niang’s affordable contract and veteran presence make him an easy addition for any contender. He could be a useful piece off the bench, but his ceiling is more limited compared to the other two.
Now, let’s decide who fits best in the Celtics’ current and future plans.
Simons offers the most significant upside among the three. His ability to create his own offense and provide a scoring punch aligns with the Celtics’ need for additional offensive firepower, especially if they’re considering moving beyond their current core. His age (24) means he’s entering his prime, and his athleticism and scoring ability could seamlessly fit alongside Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.Acquiring Simons would likely require a substantial package, possibly including draft picks or young players, but the reward could be a transformative offensive piece. His one-year contract is a gamble but also offers flexibility; if he performs well, the Celtics can re-sign him, or they can use the cap space elsewhere if they decide not to.Hauser’s shooting provides reliable spacing and a cost-effective role player option. He isn’t a star, but his potential to develop into a secondary floor spacer makes him valuable on a deep playoff run. His contract is friendly, and he fits well into the Celtics’ positional needs without blocking younger prospects.
Role:
He would be a valuable bench piece, providing minutes as a sharpshooter and spot defender. The Celtics could leverage Hauser’s versatility and shooting to maintain offensive spacing, especially when facing tough defenses.
Development Focus:
With more NBA experience, Hauser’s confidence and defensive awareness could improve, making him a more dependable contributor.
While Niang brings veteran experience and shooting, his role is more situational. His contract is reasonable but doesn’t offer the same upside as the others. Given the Celtics’ need for dynamic playmakers and wing defenders, Niang’s limited athleticism and role as a specialized shooter make him the least valuable in a trade scenario.He might still find a role as a depth piece or trade chip, but if the goal is to maximize upside, Niang is the one to let go in favor of more versatile or high-upside assets.
The Celtics’ ideal scenario involves leveraging their assets to maximize their championship window. In this context:
– Start with Simons, a player who can change the dynamic of their guard rotation, offering offensive firepower and athleticism. His potential to be a primary scorer or secondary creator makes him a game-changer.
– Bench Hauser, whose shooting and youth make him a valuable role player. He fits well into the Celtics’ culture and style, providing depth without sacrificing flexibility.
Cut Niang or use him as a trade chip, recognizing that his role can be filled by cheaper or more versatile options, and that his upside is limited compared to the other two.
The trade landscape is fluid, and each of these players offers different avenues for the Celtics to improve. If they prioritize immediate offensive upgrades and are willing to take a risk on a one-year deal, Simons is the clear “start.” If they seek to maintain spacing and develop their young talent, Hauser is the “bench” pick. And if they need veteran depth without overpaying, Niang can be the “cut” or trade piece.
In the end, the Celtics must weigh their championship aspirations against the financial and roster flexibility each player offers. But one thing is certain: with strategic moves involving these three potential trade chips, Boston can craft a roster that’s more dynamic, versatile, and competitive in the seasons to come.
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