The Boston Celtics and forward Sam Hauser have agreed on a four-year, $45 million contract extension, which became official on Tuesday.
Hauser, who is part of Boston’s championship-winning roster, shot 44.4% from 3-point range, the fourth-best percentage among players who attempted over 400 threes, according to ESPN Stats & Information. However, his value extends beyond his on-court performance, as Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens highlighted.
“Sam is dependable. He comes to work every day with the right mindset and attitude,” Stevens said. “While his shooting draws the most attention, his game sense, defensive versatility, and consistency as a teammate have allowed him to impact our team in crucial moments. We are thrilled that Sam has chosen to extend his contract with the Celtics.”
Hauser’s path to becoming an NBA champion with one of the most historic franchises wasn’t straightforward. Undrafted out of the University of Virginia in 2021, he signed a two-way contract with the Celtics and began in Boston’s G League affiliate in Maine before earning a role with the team.
Last season, Hauser averaged a career-high nine points, 3.5 rebounds, and one assist in 79 games, including 13 starts. On March 17 against the Washington Wizards, he hit a career-best 10 threes, just short of the franchise record held by Marcus Smart (11) and the NBA record held by Klay Thompson (14). His journey serves as inspiration for Boston’s current homegrown players aiming to make their mark with the Celtics.
“There’s always room for improvement in areas you’re not good at and those you excel in,” Hauser said on the “Green Light With Chris Long” podcast earlier this month. “I think you can always get better. With our roster, my role will likely remain similar, but I’m looking to make small improvements. I’ll work hard this summer to improve, but my role will probably be similar, which is fine.”
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