Free Agent, Trade, Buyout, Extension & Conversion Thread, 2025 con't

[playa-hater]

Utah gets: Porzingis, Holiday
Bos gets: Collins, Sexton and Kessler

The Ainge boys strike again!

Utah throws in their 21st pick as well.

[Celts17Pride]

Utah gets: Porzingis, Holiday
Bos gets: Collins, Sexton and Kessler

The Ainge boys strike again!

Utah throws in their 21st pick as well.

Sounds good to me. Make it happen

[Curmudgeon]

Collins, Sexton and Kessler are 17 win hot garbage. Tatum is out if the Celtics make that deal. Brown too.

[bigfoot_cryptozoology]

Celtics trade rumors: East rival could target Sam Hauser (report)

https://www.masslive.com/celtics/2025/06/celtics-trade-rumors-east-rival-could-target-sam-hauser-report.html?utm_campaign=masslivesports&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter

One team that could make sense for Hauser is the Detroit Pistons, according to Omari Sankofa of the Detroit Free Press. He went through a number of wing free agency and trade options for the Pistons in an article Thursday and highlighted Hauser along with Grayson Allen, Nickel Alexander-Walker and Isaac Okoro as potential trade options for the Pistons.


Detroit is coming off their best season in over a decade after landing the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference. They gave the Knicks a good fight in the first round before falling in six games, but will surely be looking to upgrade a mediocre offense around emerging All-Star Cade Cunningham.

Hauser’s shotmaking would be very helpful on that front. He is a career 42 percent 3-point shooter that has paved his way into a becoming a rotation player in Boston after going undrafted in 2021.

Hauser signed a $45 million extension that lasts over the next four years, which kicks in during July. His $10 million starting salary would be easy for the Pistons to absorb in a trade without sending back money, depending on the futures of free agents like Tim Hardaway Jr., Malik Beasley and Dennis Schroder.

Hauser’s reasonable contract is by no means a sure thing to be moved by Boston however, as they could elect to keep the 27-year-old. If he is moved, Boston would also be looking for a solid return given the lack of reliable shooters on the draft market.

[playa-hater]

Celtics trade rumors: East rival could target Sam Hauser (report)

https://www.masslive.com/celtics/2025/06/celtics-trade-rumors-east-rival-could-target-sam-hauser-report.html?utm_campaign=masslivesports&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter

One team that could make sense for Hauser is the Detroit Pistons, according to Omari Sankofa of the Detroit Free Press. He went through a number of wing free agency and trade options for the Pistons in an article Thursday and highlighted Hauser along with Grayson Allen, Nickel Alexander-Walker and Isaac Okoro as potential trade options for the Pistons.


Detroit is coming off their best season in over a decade after landing the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference. They gave the Knicks a good fight in the first round before falling in six games, but will surely be looking to upgrade a mediocre offense around emerging All-Star Cade Cunningham.

Hauser’s shotmaking would be very helpful on that front. He is a career 42 percent 3-point shooter that has paved his way into a becoming a rotation player in Boston after going undrafted in 2021.

Hauser signed a $45 million extension that lasts over the next four years, which kicks in during July. His $10 million starting salary would be easy for the Pistons to absorb in a trade without sending back money, depending on the futures of free agents like Tim Hardaway Jr., Malik Beasley and Dennis Schroder.

Hauser’s reasonable contract is by no means a sure thing to be moved by Boston however, as they could elect to keep the 27-year-old. If he is moved, Boston would also be looking for a solid return given the lack of reliable shooters on the draft market.

Unfortunately, Detroit does not have a first round pick. But they do have pick 37.. Maybe pick 37 and a second round in the future. I would take.

[bigfoot_cryptozoology]

Celtics trade rumors: East rival could target Sam Hauser (report)

https://www.masslive.com/celtics/2025/06/celtics-trade-rumors-east-rival-could-target-sam-hauser-report.html?utm_campaign=masslivesports&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter

One team that could make sense for Hauser is the Detroit Pistons, according to Omari Sankofa of the Detroit Free Press. He went through a number of wing free agency and trade options for the Pistons in an article Thursday and highlighted Hauser along with Grayson Allen, Nickel Alexander-Walker and Isaac Okoro as potential trade options for the Pistons.


Detroit is coming off their best season in over a decade after landing the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference. They gave the Knicks a good fight in the first round before falling in six games, but will surely be looking to upgrade a mediocre offense around emerging All-Star Cade Cunningham.

Hauser’s shotmaking would be very helpful on that front. He is a career 42 percent 3-point shooter that has paved his way into a becoming a rotation player in Boston after going undrafted in 2021.

Hauser signed a $45 million extension that lasts over the next four years, which kicks in during July. His $10 million starting salary would be easy for the Pistons to absorb in a trade without sending back money, depending on the futures of free agents like Tim Hardaway Jr., Malik Beasley and Dennis Schroder.

Hauser’s reasonable contract is by no means a sure thing to be moved by Boston however, as they could elect to keep the 27-year-old. If he is moved, Boston would also be looking for a solid return given the lack of reliable shooters on the draft market.

Unfortunately, Detroit does not have a first round pick. But they do have pick 37.. Maybe pick 37 and a second round in the future. I would take.

I think it would be a let down, if they didn't receive some sort of First for Hauser.
I'm pretty 100 percent sure they get a First for Hauser.
In fact, they should move up in the Draft using Hauser, 28 and a Future Pick...

[celtxman]

Depending on what Brad does with the roster. I really hope Baylor gets a legit shot at meaningful rotation minutes. I really like the kid and want to see what he can do with regular minutes. Maybe he flames out, but maybe he hits. I like him way better than Walsh.

I think that Scheierman's ability to show what he can do makes the decision to move off of Hauser and save a lot of money, easier.

[celtxman]

Celtics trade rumors: East rival could target Sam Hauser (report)

https://www.masslive.com/celtics/2025/06/celtics-trade-rumors-east-rival-could-target-sam-hauser-report.html?utm_campaign=masslivesports&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter

One team that could make sense for Hauser is the Detroit Pistons, according to Omari Sankofa of the Detroit Free Press. He went through a number of wing free agency and trade options for the Pistons in an article Thursday and highlighted Hauser along with Grayson Allen, Nickel Alexander-Walker and Isaac Okoro as potential trade options for the Pistons.


Detroit is coming off their best season in over a decade after landing the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference. They gave the Knicks a good fight in the first round before falling in six games, but will surely be looking to upgrade a mediocre offense around emerging All-Star Cade Cunningham.

Hauser’s shotmaking would be very helpful on that front. He is a career 42 percent 3-point shooter that has paved his way into a becoming a rotation player in Boston after going undrafted in 2021.

Hauser signed a $45 million extension that lasts over the next four years, which kicks in during July. His $10 million starting salary would be easy for the Pistons to absorb in a trade without sending back money, depending on the futures of free agents like Tim Hardaway Jr., Malik Beasley and Dennis Schroder.

Hauser’s reasonable contract is by no means a sure thing to be moved by Boston however, as they could elect to keep the 27-year-old. If he is moved, Boston would also be looking for a solid return given the lack of reliable shooters on the draft market.

I have been saying all season that I believed that Hauser would be gone, mostly for 2nd apron reasons. That doesn't mean his contract is bad for other teams, particularly a team like Detroit where Beasley might be gone.

[bigfoot_cryptozoology]

Celtics trade rumors: East rival could target Sam Hauser (report)

https://www.masslive.com/celtics/2025/06/celtics-trade-rumors-east-rival-could-target-sam-hauser-report.html?utm_campaign=masslivesports&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter

One team that could make sense for Hauser is the Detroit Pistons, according to Omari Sankofa of the Detroit Free Press. He went through a number of wing free agency and trade options for the Pistons in an article Thursday and highlighted Hauser along with Grayson Allen, Nickel Alexander-Walker and Isaac Okoro as potential trade options for the Pistons.


Detroit is coming off their best season in over a decade after landing the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference. They gave the Knicks a good fight in the first round before falling in six games, but will surely be looking to upgrade a mediocre offense around emerging All-Star Cade Cunningham.

Hauser’s shotmaking would be very helpful on that front. He is a career 42 percent 3-point shooter that has paved his way into a becoming a rotation player in Boston after going undrafted in 2021.

Hauser signed a $45 million extension that lasts over the next four years, which kicks in during July. His $10 million starting salary would be easy for the Pistons to absorb in a trade without sending back money, depending on the futures of free agents like Tim Hardaway Jr., Malik Beasley and Dennis Schroder.

Hauser’s reasonable contract is by no means a sure thing to be moved by Boston however, as they could elect to keep the 27-year-old. If he is moved, Boston would also be looking for a solid return given the lack of reliable shooters on the draft market.

I have been saying all season that I believed that Hauser would be gone, mostly for 2nd apron reasons. That doesn't mean his contract is bad for other teams, particularly a team like Detroit where Beasley might be gone.

Yup, Hauser's contract is a complete non factor. It's a piss in the ocean among modern NBA salaries. So, the Celts should receive a present or future First...

[cl2117]

I won't go into the gory details, but I think you could turn Jrue, KP and Hauser into just Rui and Knecht and reset the tax. Maybe gain a 2nd or 2, maybe not.

Sign pick 28 to 120% scale.
Sign Kornet* for 3 years starting at $5M.

You have $2.6M left for roster spot 14. Fill it with 32, existing 2-way or vet min, etc

Pritchard, White, Brown, Rui, Kornet
JD, Sheierman, Knecht, Walsh, Queta
Tillman, 28, <spot 14>
x=> Tatum

You duck the tax.
Starting lineup is good, not great. Bench is YOUNG (experience wise, not age necessarily) but some talent there.
Get growth from hopefully 2-3 of the young guys, some more moves / our own pick next summer and you're in good shape for 26-27 with Tatum.


* Note: If Al wants back, split $7.6M between him and Kornet somehow.

Spoiler:

Gory details if you don't wanna be spared: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2462080#p118851406

Now this is a re-tool after my own heart.

I don't think getting below the tax is a must but I also think that if the deals present themselves we should make every effort to get there even if it means moving Hauser, which pains me. Getting back someone like Knecht makes me so much more comfortable with that Sophie's choice because at least we've got a viable path towards developing a genuine replacement for him. Offensively I think he can ultimately replace what Sam brings (albeit slightly different make-up as a less lethal shooter but a more versatile scorer), the real question would be whether he can make the same strides Sam made as a defender.

Rui is one of my binkies. I love the physical profile for the modern NBA. Versatile both offensively and defensively. Lakers used him as a small-ball 5 with a lot of success in certain match-ups (brutal in others but let's ignore that), but he can also plays as a reasonably switchable 4 as well. 40%+ from 3 for two years straight (38% for his career), so he fits Joe's system like a glove. Feels like there is a well of untapped upside there.

What seems to hold Rui back the most is his consistency and BBIQ, so my ideal scenario is we manage to convince Horford to stick around on the vet minimum to pass the torch and hopefully help elevate Rui's game. Even if that weren't to happen I would hope that as he continues to mature he'll round out some of those rougher edges.

Looking at the details of the trades, the only part I question is whether LA would be content giving up both Rui and Knecht for Gafford/Martin and then whether BKN would give up #36 for Ayo. Assuming the latter is true I would re-route #36 to LA or just send them #32 and keep #36 from the 2nd trade. LA is going to need cheap young depth so they can take a crack at replacing what they give up with Dalton while still getting some great fitting pieces back.

What I also love about these deals is that I think based on how they can be structured we could be creating a KP sized TPE as well. So it not only resets out cap situation and gives us a couple young talents, but also gives us an avenue to bring in more talent down the line without having to match contracts etc. So if we have a miraculous run next year without JB to start and then stay hot when he's back, if Tatum is looking like he could make an earlier than expected return, you could realistically give up on some of the savings you've achieved and bring in some guys to make a playoff push. And if not, it'll still be there at the start of the following off-season at which point we'd be gearing up for '26/27 and want to be able to add rotation pieces as well.

I hope Brad is taking notes.

[cl2117]

I like Bailey, Flagg was the obvious consensus #1 guy in his class, Bailey the clear #2. If he wasn't overshadowed by Flagg Bailey would have been prized for years. Guys in his profile are typically a sure thing, and sometimes it's not worth overthinking it. I see no big red flags that make me think I should keep thinking, so...

I am skeptical of Harper. He's one of those guys who benefits from having an adult body & ideal frame as an 18 y/o freshman. And within that context, his rebounding doesn't impress me, his status as main guy on a non-tourney team putting up Fultz-ish numbers doesn't impress me. Scouting capsules don't make me think he is an elite talent. I still draft him top 10, maybe even top 5, but I don't buy the hype.

eta also, Hal points out that Harper had knee surgery his last year of HS, I'm not sure that's another reason to be skeptical of him - it actually could be the opposite, but off the top of my head there are at least a few guys whose knees showed signs of trouble in HS and never improved.

Ace has some major red flags in terms of feel, instincts, awareness, IQ on both ends of the floor.

On offense he has terrible shot selection, just jacks up ill advised shots. Settles for tough, contested jumpers because a) his decision making is bad and b) can't get to the rim off the bounce

On defense he's out of position a lot, gets caught ball watching, etc.

This article touches on some of the issues:
https://nikoza2.substack.com/p/ace-in-the-hole

The knee procedure Harper had was very minor (and was like a year ago now). Only mentioned it as a small footnote in terms of the context for why Rutgers as a team wasn't that great. Like, since the procedure was during the summer, Harper missed out on a lot of the team's workouts, practices, scrimmages and stuff and if your star PG freshman misses a lot of that stuff before the season, it can cause a little but of issues with the team performing well. That's all.

The big red flag for me with Ace is his free throw shooting. I know it's not always a perfect barometer for overall shooting ability, but it's probably one of the best indicator's of player's touch overall.

Ace is 69% whereas Flagg, Harper and Edgecombe are all a decent bit higher (84%, 75%, 78%). Certainly not the end of the world or anything but it was enough to give me misgivings even before going through the more nuanced aspects that the article you linked dives into.

It also bothers me that he seems to be 6'8 not 6'10. I know the NBA and height have long had a weird relationship with guys actually being +/- more than a few inches, but that really did change my view on him a good bit as well.

[ddb]

Utah gets: Porzingis, Holiday
Bos gets: Collins, Sexton and Kessler

The Ainge boys strike again!

Utah throws in their 21st pick as well.

Why would Ainge do that deal? Also, why would Boston do that deal? It's like a bad trade all around

[ddb]

Celtics trade rumors: East rival could target Sam Hauser (report)

https://www.masslive.com/celtics/2025/06/celtics-trade-rumors-east-rival-could-target-sam-hauser-report.html?utm_campaign=masslivesports&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter

One team that could make sense for Hauser is the Detroit Pistons, according to Omari Sankofa of the Detroit Free Press. He went through a number of wing free agency and trade options for the Pistons in an article Thursday and highlighted Hauser along with Grayson Allen, Nickel Alexander-Walker and Isaac Okoro as potential trade options for the Pistons.


Detroit is coming off their best season in over a decade after landing the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference. They gave the Knicks a good fight in the first round before falling in six games, but will surely be looking to upgrade a mediocre offense around emerging All-Star Cade Cunningham.

Hauser’s shotmaking would be very helpful on that front. He is a career 42 percent 3-point shooter that has paved his way into a becoming a rotation player in Boston after going undrafted in 2021.

Hauser signed a $45 million extension that lasts over the next four years, which kicks in during July. His $10 million starting salary would be easy for the Pistons to absorb in a trade without sending back money, depending on the futures of free agents like Tim Hardaway Jr., Malik Beasley and Dennis Schroder.

Hauser’s reasonable contract is by no means a sure thing to be moved by Boston however, as they could elect to keep the 27-year-old. If he is moved, Boston would also be looking for a solid return given the lack of reliable shooters on the draft market.

I have been saying all season that I believed that Hauser would be gone, mostly for 2nd apron reasons. That doesn't mean his contract is bad for other teams, particularly a team like Detroit where Beasley might be gone.

Yup, Hauser's contract is a complete non factor. It's a piss in the ocean among modern NBA salaries. So, the Celts should receive a present or future First...

That contract is exactly why the Celtics should keep Hauser. Same with Pritchard. Why would you trade two useful players on great contracts? You need guys like that to fill out a rotation when you have max guys on the roster. The Celtics issue is they have 3 second tier contracts (KP, Jrue, White) when they can only really have 2.

The solution seems too obvious to me. Move KP's contract. Shouldn't be too difficult as it's an expiring deal, and when he's healthy he's a really good player. There will be teams interested in taking a chance on KP. For Boston, take a lesser player or two that offers more durability. At the end of the day, KP missed half the games anyway. At least, you fix the tax situation, then have a couple more able bodies on the roster that can hopefully help some.

[celtxman]

without brown you are pulling a spurs getting Duncan move.

So trade Brown and hope for a once in a lifetime chance on a draft pick. Yikes!

I am squarely in the middle about a possibility of trading Jaylen Brown. I see both sides.

Pros of keeping Brown: He's already performed on the biggest stage. That's in the books. Brown in the biggest moments of a championship season was their best player, not just in my opinion but also by being voted EC Finals MVP and Finals MVP. This season, those of us who have had a torn meniscus know full well what it's like to play basketball with it, much less at the highest level. He went out there.
Also, I know in the world of us all making fun trades in trade checkers we never factor in what the player means to the community. Brown has a huge impact in Boston. Can you imagine the Celtics miscalculating this trade? What would be the thought players coming here and loyalty?
Finally his contract. We all know Brown never should have had the highest contract in the NBA. Its all about timing and the supermax. With the projected salary cap increases and league revenues this may end up being an excellent contract. He is in the prime of his career.

Pros of trading Brown. The devil is in the details. Let's consider a trade idea that's out there. Think of Derrick White. What if the Celtics see that kind of White potential in Devin Vassell?Then you also get the #2 pick. We keep hearing about Harper, but what about Bailey? And moving up the board is Maluach. He moved up to #4 in some Mock drafts partly because he showed offensive skills in a LA pro day that he couldn't display on a loaded Duke team. Your center issue changes overnight. If Vassell is really good you just saved $25 million per (and are in position to get under the 2nd apron)and he is also under contract for 4 more seasons at $27 million per. Therefore you are in position to keep Jrue and KP, or if you do want to trade either of them no one can have you over a barrel.

As always I root for the laundry- the Celtics. May they make great decisions!

[ddb]

without brown you are pulling a spurs getting Duncan move.

So trade Brown and hope for a once in a lifetime chance on a draft pick. Yikes!

I am squarely in the middle about a possibility of trading Jaylen Brown. I see both sides.

Pros of keeping Brown: He's already performed on the biggest stage. That's in the books. Brown in the biggest moments of a championship season was their best player, not just in my opinion but also by being voted EC Finals MVP and Finals MVP. This season, those of us who have had a torn meniscus know full well what it's like to play basketball with it, much less at the highest level. He went out there.
Also, I know in the world of us all making fun trades in trade checkers we never factor in what the player means to the community. Brown has a huge impact in Boston. Can you imagine the Celtics miscalculating this trade? What would be the thought players coming here and loyalty?
Finally his contract. We all know Brown never should have had the highest contract in the NBA. Its all about timing and the supermax. With the projected salary cap increases and league revenues this may end up being an excellent contract. He is in the prime of his career.

Pros of trading Brown. The devil is in the details. Let's consider a trade idea that's out there. Think of Derrick White. What if the Celtics see that kind of White potential in Devin Vassell?Then you also get the #2 pick. We keep hearing about Harper, but what about Bailey? And moving up the board is Maluach. He moved up to #4 in some Mock drafts partly because he showed offensive skills in a LA pro day that he couldn't display on a loaded Duke team. Your center issue changes overnight. If Vassell is really good you just saved $25 million per (and are in position to get under the 2nd apron)and he is also under contract for 4 more seasons at $27 million per. Therefore you are in position to keep Jrue and KP, or if you do want to trade either of them no one can have you over a barrel.

As always I root for the laundry- the Celtics. May they make great decisions!

Not for nothing, but Tatum was the real Finals MVP. Lead the team is points, rebounds and assists. Brown deserved the East Finals MVP. Anyway, I can see both sides of the coin on Brown as well. It would really boil down to what type of return could Brad net the Celtics? If a team presented a massive offer, you do it. Otherwise, you keep him because let's face it, Brown/White/Jrue/PP/Horford/Hauser plus whatever else is there after the summer is a Top 4-5 team in a weak eastern conference. If JT comes back at let's say 80-85% of the player he was, then it can get interesting in the playoffs, and the season overall isn't a wasted year.

On the flip side, you're probably not winning the title next season. Taking a nuclear approach by trading Brown, KP, Jrue, etc and bringing back picks, young players, expiring's, would be an interesting big step back with the hope that by the time Tatum is 30 a new Title window is there. But you'd need to hit on draft picks, develop flawlessly, and be able to attract free agents to join JT. Too many variables, IMO.

[Fierce1]

Right now Indy and OKC are showing the world it's not how many supermax or max players you have on your roster.

It's about the collective.

Having more good to very good players will be the trend in this version of the CBA.

The exception is Giannis.

So if the Cs don't get Giannis then Brad should focus on building a balanced team.

Accumulating max players is a thing of the past.

[hugepatsfan]

Utah gets: Porzingis, Holiday
Bos gets: Collins, Sexton and Kessler

The Ainge boys strike again!

What does this accomplish for us? Shaking up the team just to get worse players and still be in the 2nd apron.

[Fierce1]

Utah gets: Porzingis, Holiday
Bos gets: Collins, Sexton and Kessler

The Ainge boys strike again!

What does this accomplish for us? Shaking up the team just to get worse players and still be in the 2nd apron.

I think he's sticking with his argument to go below the apron in 2026-27.

Collins is an expiring, so Cs can move him at deadline.

But you're right, that move only saves the Cs around 12m.

[hugepatsfan]

Utah gets: Porzingis, Holiday
Bos gets: Collins, Sexton and Kessler

The Ainge boys strike again!

What does this accomplish for us? Shaking up the team just to get worse players and still be in the 2nd apron.

I think he's sticking with his argument to go below the apron in 2026-27.

Collins is an expiring, so Cs can move him at deadline.

But you're right, that move only saves the Cs around 12m.

What about 27-28? Because resetting the apron and the lax penalties is a 2 year thing. You have to stay under it for 2 years, not just 1. If we go under and then back over then we don't reset anything. There's really no functional benefit for going under the apron or tax in 26-27 unless we also do it in either 25-26 or 27-28.

[Celts17Pride]

Taking a nuclear approach by trading Brown, KP, Jrue, etc and bringing back picks, young players, expiring's, would be an interesting big step back with the hope that by the time Tatum is 30 a new Title window is there. But you'd need to hit on draft picks, develop flawlessly, and be able to attract free agents to join JT. Too many variables, IMO.

Exactly!!