According to the Boston Globe’s Adam Himmeslbach, the Boston Celtics are bringing back Sam Hauser:
The Celtics and forward Sam Hauser have agreed to a three-year deal worth around $6 million, according to a league source. The first two years are fully guaranteed.
Cs hope Hauser can make a real contribution next season. https://t.co/y2fzvkurvH— Adam Himmelsbach (@AdamHimmelsbach) July 3, 2022
The deal for Hauser is reportedly close to $6 million over three seasons. The first two seasons are fully guaranteed for the shooting specialist.
Hauser’s playing time with Boston was limited to just 158 minutes in 26 games in his rookie season. However, Hauser showed his sniping ability by knocking down 19 of 44 three-pointers during that time.
In a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks in early April, Hauser posted a career-high 11 points. In his most extensive season, as the Celtics rested several regulars, Hauser downed a 4-of-5 shot, including a 3-of-4 shot from behind the arc.
The 6-foot-8 Virginia forward began his NBA career with a two-way contract with the Boston and Maine Celtics. After Boston created several open roster spots with trade-deadline deals, Hauser signed a standard two-year contract.
Prior to free agency, Boston turned down his team option in the second year of Hauser’s contract. This made him a restricted free agent. The intention was always that the Celtics sign Hauser for a longer contract. Now Boston will use its non-bird rights to give Hauser a three-year deal.
For a player with so little NBA time, it might seem a bit strange to commit to three years with two fully guaranteed, but Hauser’s projects are worth his contract. In 13 G-League games (12 starts) with Maine, Hauser showed he can do more than a stopgap shooter.
Hauser averaged 20.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.1 steals in 35 minutes per game. He also shot 46% from the field, including 40.7% in 10.8 three-point attempts per event.
The Las Vegas Summer League is going to be big for Hauser. He is one of the few players on the Summer Celtics roster guaranteed a spot in Boston next season. Look to Hauser to get more on-ball replays and work as a custom creator.
With Hauser by the side and their trades accounted for, the Celtics now have 11 standard roster spots considered. This leaves four standard roster spots open. Both two-way spots are also open to Boston/Maine.