Celtics could trade fan favorite instead of newly acquired Anfernee Simons

The Boston Celtics' primary focus during the offseason was to get below the second apron. As of now, the Celtics are still about $20 million over the luxury tax, a situation that Brad Stevens will likely struggle to resolve. 

However, Boston still has a few moves that can be made, and according to The Ringer, one of those could be a surprising one. 

The Ringer noted that it wouldn't be surprising to see fan favorite Sam Hauser get traded, noting that the Celtics' recent additions could also be moved. 

“Boston is still in the second apron and about $20 million over the luxury tax, but, regardless of what Brad Stevens has said, it would be a true stunner if it didn’t shed more money during the season to dodge repeater tax penalties. The likely casualties are Anfernee Simons and Georges Niang, but no one should be shocked if/when Sam Hauser gets traded,” they wrote. 

Hauser has been a great player for the Celtics over the past few years. 

Given the situation with Jayson Tatum's Achilles injury, it wouldn't be the most surprising thing to see them move on from players like him to shed salary. 

MORE: Ex-Celtics guard eager to return to form with LA Lakers

Had Tatum not dealt with that injury, Stevens still likely would’ve had to do something, as reports indicated that the Celtics were looking to shed salary. 

These moves would likely have been much different from what they are now.

It remains uncertain whether they want to deal Simons, but he could also be moved, given his $100 million contract. He'd be an intriguing fit for the Celtics, but the situation doesn't bode well for either party.