Celtics Insider Predicts Team Will Get Rid Of Former All-Star, One Starter This Offseason
· Yahoo Sports
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The Boston Celtics are nine days removed from a shocking ending to their 2025-26 season after blowing a 3-1 series lead against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
An offseason of massive change could be in store now and Celtics insider John Karalis looked at what moves could lie ahead for the organization on Monday.
Though both Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum have been floated in trade rumors recently, Karalis sees both of the "Jays" with Boston next season.
The longtime Celtics reporter sees the Celtics saying goodbye to two-time All-Star center Nikola Vucevic in free agency though and trading forward Sam Hauser, among other moves.
"To sum up my anticipated moves: (Dalano) Banton option declined. Vucevic walks. (Baylor) Scheierman, (Jordan) Walsh, and (Neemias) Queta options picked up. (Ron Harper Jr.) either declined or picked up and used in a trade. Hauser traded. Full MLE used. Approximately $16-$17 of TPE used. Rookie minimum guy signed to fill roster," Karalis wrote.
Vucevic was Boston's big trade deadline acquisition in February, but the 35-year-old missed time after the move due to injury and struggled in the playoffs vs. the Sixers.
Vucevic averaged just 6.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 19.0 minutes per contest across the first six postseason games before benched in the Celtics' Game 7 loss against Philadelphia.
Hauser started a career-high 49 games during the regular season, averaged high marks in points (9.2), rebounds (3.8), assists (1.5) and minutes (24.8) and posted a .419/.393/.850 shooting line. The 28-year-old started six of Boston's seven playoff tilts and averaged 7.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 23.4 minutes per contest.
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