The Boston Celtics have some heated rivalries, and trading with any of those foes could rub fans the wrong way.
Going into next season, the Celtics are in an interesting position. After seeing nearly half of their 2024 championship core depart this offseason, the Celtics are unlikely to compete for a title next season as Jayson Tatum recovers from a torn Achilles.
Still, Boston would likely want to remain competitive and be in the playoff picture. That means the Celtics will be relying on some of their lesser-known players to step up and make some big plays.
While just about everyone on the Celtics has gotten some exposure from simply being one of the league’s best teams in recent years, Sam Hauser still manages to fly under the radar. One of the top shooters in the league, Hauser has shot 42% from deep on nearly five attempts per game for his career.
Set to enter his fifth season, the Celtics could have a perfect role player or perhaps a great trade piece. However, Hardwood Houdini’s Jack Simone recently advised the Celtics against considering a deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.
While Hauser might be the perfect fit in Los Angeles alongside Luka Doncic and LeBron James, the rivalry between the Celtics and Lakers runs deep, and it might be worth avoiding a trade. As Celtics fans are already mentally preparing for the sight of Marcus Smart in the purple and gold, they might not be able to handle Hauser in those colors too.
Along with the unsavory sights, the Lakers simply would be unlikely to give the Celtics fair value for Hauser. Although Boston might benefit from dumping his salary, it would be wise to hold onto him at least into next season.