Next in the series of roundtables is a question about what’s coming next. Specifically I asked them to predict the next major roster move between now and the trade deadline (something beyond 2-ways or camp invites). Here’s what we came up with.
Ian Inangelo
Between now and the trade deadline I think the next major roster move will be the addition of another guard coming off the bench. I don’t see a major move like trading for a Trey Murphy in the cards as of now but if there’s a scoring guard on the market that can provide bench scoring I feel that is the route the Celtics should go.
Trevor Hass
I’ll predict that the Celtics will trade Sam Hauser, Luka Garza and a pick for Cameron Johnson. Johnson would fit in well from a stylistic standpoint and is one of the more underrated players in the league.
Jake Issenberg
I’m sorry to disappoint with this one. Unless Steph Curry becomes available I don’t see the Celtics doing anything of note until next offseason. They should remain under the luxury tax for one more season to allow them to achieve maximum optionality going into next offseason. Though, I would ecstatic if Payton Pritchard signs the three year $67 million contract extension he will be eligible for in October. (edited)
Nate Moskowitz
To avoid the boring answer of nothing, I will offer that a Sam Hauser trade could be on the table. My rationale is that they might just need the minutes to give Hugo, Walsh, Scheierman, Harper Jr. sufficient playing time. They’re investing in each of those guys, and Hauser’s 25MPG is a reasonable place to pull from.
Grant Burfeind
My real answer would be nothing, but where’s the fun in that? Instead, I’ll throw out Sam Hauser to OKC for Cason Wallace, plus one or two of those draft picks Sam Presti keeps collecting like Pokémon cards.
Wallace feels like such a Celtics player. Imagine rolling out Derrick White and Cason Wallace against guards like Brunson, Mitchell and Cade every night. Good luck. Wallace is already one of the better young perimeter defenders in the league, and his shot has come a long way. During the Thunder’s playoff run last year, Wallace made 2.0 threes per game at a 48.4% clip. The thought of rolling out a lineup with White, Wallace, Paul George, Tatum and Mitchell Robinson brings a smile to my face.
Jeff Clark
Yeah, you guys are all being boring. I’m going to go out on a limb and say that the Celtics are poised and ready to use Paul George’s contract and a handful of picks to go get the next star that hits the market. Either because he’s upset with his current situation or (more likely) because the team finds itself in the same 2nd Apron purgatory that started the Celtics “optionality” moves a year ago. Which player will that be? I’m not holding my breath for Jokic or Curry, but I’d keep an eye on the Cavs, Magic, Rockets, and even the T-Wolves. And yeah, keep the Pelicans on speed dial, just in case.
“Not good enough” you say? I can see the comments already: “You call people boring then you don’t give us a name?” Ok fine. I predict things go sideways in Cleveland and we add Evan Mobley for George and 2 first rounders and a pick swap.
Robby Fletcher
I think Boston’s done with major moves in the near-future, at least until next offseason, but I am expecting one championship piece to be on the move in Sam Hauser.
This felt like something that’d get done this offseason, but this general post-LeBron calm feels like a good indication that the Celtics like their current personnel and intend for Hauser to be a Celtic on opening night. That’s far from a bad thing. He’ll more than likely return to the bench and provide his usual sharpshooting influence off-ball. However, his departure makes sense financially and in a team-sense, paving the way for more opportunities for Hugo Gonzalez, Jordan Walsh and Baylor Scheierman. At the deadline, Hauser’s shooting could convince a playoff hopeful to give up valuable, cost-effective draft capital to help the team’s long-term outlook.
Bill Sy
I’m thinking something like Sam Hauser and Mike Conley Jr. for Ty Jerome and D’Angelo Russell. Grizzlies needs some shooting, Celtics get a better option off the dribble, and Conley retires where it all started for him in Memphis.
Mike Dynon
Nothing expected before the trade deadline (sorry!), unless Brad Stevens decides more help is needed at point guard. Mike Conley should be a perfect fit as a backup, but how much does he have left for his 20th season? He appeared in just 54 games last year, averaging only 18 minutes per game. (Really hope Conley stays, however. The way he plays the game is classic Celtics, and he’ll be the veteran leader in the locker room.)
Ryan Paice
Sorry guys, I gotta be boring here: we ain’t doin’ anything before the trade deadline. The C’s are under the luxury tax and will want to stay that way throughout the 2026-27 season in order to reset the repeater tax moving forward. And, if we do make a move, I’m afraid it’ll only disappoint Boston fans since it’ll probably mean shipping out Hauser for negative value in order to clear up space for the young wings while staying under the luxury tax. I’d love to get a Cason Wallace or Cameron Johnson or Ty Jerome for Hauser, but I have a hard time seeing that realistically happening.
Rich Jensen
I am convinced of only one thing: That anything I predict will be wrong.
Your Turn – How would you answer this question?
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