Celtics could trade $45 million wing to Pistons to cut costs

Could the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons pull off a trade this summer?

On a recent episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, The Ringer’s Bill Simmons proposed a series of trade scenarios aimed at alleviating the Celtics’ looming financial constraints.

With the Celtics facing a colossal combined salary for the 2025-26 season, Simmons suggested a surprising move: trading sharpshooter Sam Hauser to the Detroit Pistons. 

“(Sam) Hauser to Detroit. Just trading him there, that would save another $10 (million),” Simmons said.

Hauser, a reliable 3-and-D wing, has been a valuable role player, but his rising salary makes him a candidate for trade discussions as the Celtics navigate the second apron.

Sending Hauser to Detroit, a team with cap flexibility and a need for shooting, could allow Boston to shed salary while potentially netting draft picks or a cheaper asset in return.

Hauser's four-year, $45 million veteran extension has him under contract through the 2028-29 season, at which point Hauser's cap hit will be $12.5 million.

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Simmons didn’t stop there. He also revisited a previously floated idea of trading center Kristaps Porzingis to the Utah Jazz for power forward John Collins. This deal would save Boston approximately $4.1 million in 2025-26, as Porzingis’ $30.7 million salary exceeds Collins’ $26.6 million player option (assuming Collins opts in). 

The Jazz, who reportedly coveted Porzingis two years ago, could view him as a low-risk addition with an expiring contract, while Boston would gain a replacement big man in Collins.

It'll be interesting to see how GM Brad Stevens approaches the summer, that's for sure.

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