Celtics Projected To Pay $210 Million Luxury Tax Penalty After Signing Sam Hauser To $45 Million Deal

The Boston Celtics signed Sam Hauser to a four-year, $45 million extension, impacting their 2025-2026 payroll. According to Adrian Wojnarowski , this elevates the payroll to $225 million, resulting in a $210 million luxury tax penalty, the highest in the league. This pushes the Celtics over the second apron for a second consecutive year.

Hauser's extension underscores his value to the team. The 26-year-old undrafted player out of the University of Virginia has proven to be a development success for the Celtics. Last season, he shot an impressive 42.4% from beyond the arc, ranking fourth among players with over 400 attempts. His ability to consistently make catch-and-shoot three-pointers has made him a vital asset, contributing to the Celtics' championship aspirations.

This extension follows significant financial commitments to other key players, including All-NBA forward Jayson Tatum and guard Derrick White . Tatum signed a five-year, $315 million extension , while White secured a four-year, $125 million deal. These contracts, combined with Hauser's, highlight the Celtics' strategy to maintain a competitive roster, albeit at a significant financial cost.

The Celtics ' combined salary and luxury tax for the 2025-2026 season is projected to be the largest in NBA history. This financial burden is partly a result of retaining top talent and partly due to the NBA's luxury tax rules, which impose steep penalties on teams with high payrolls.

Despite the financial strain, the Celtics have locked in a core group of players who can compete at a high level. Hauser's contract, which runs through the 2028-2029 season, ensures that the team retains one of its most effective shooters. However, the financial implications are considerable, potentially affecting the team's flexibility in future seasons.

The Celtics' management, led by Brad Stevens, is committed to sustaining the team's competitive edge. With Hauser's extension, the Celtics aim to balance retaining key talent while navigating the financial challenges posed by the luxury tax. This approach underscores their ambition to remain a top contender in the NBA for years to come.

The Celtics Are Confident In Their Squad For Years To Come

The Boston Celtics are confident in their squad for the years to come, despite facing the intense restrictions of the second apron space for the next two years. First-apron teams can't sign bought-out players who made more than the non-taxpayer mid-level exception before being waived.

They also can't take back more salary than they send out in trades and can't use trade exceptions created the previous season. Second-apron teams face additional restrictions, such as not being able to use the mid-level exception, trade multiple players in the same deal, sign-and-trade their own players to acquire others or send out cash in trades.

Given these limitations, the Celtics' confidence in their current roster is crucial. They will have nine players under guaranteed contracts for the next two seasons. Jaylen Brown's $304 million extension kicks in this year, while Jayson Tatum's $315 million extension and Derrick White's $125 million deal start in the 2025-26 season.

If they extend Kristaps Porzingis, assuming he stays relatively healthy, the second apron could extend for another year.

The Celtics' willingness to commit to this level of financial investment indicates their strong belief in their squad. They boast the best starting five in the league, which contributed to the fourth-best net rating in NBA history during their title-winning season.

Except for Jrue Holiday, all their starting players are 30 or under, highlighting their potential for sustained success. This core group forms the foundation of the Celtics' strategy, providing stability and a competitive edge in the coming years.

Related: Celtics Starters Will Earn Nearly $1 Billion In The Next 5 Years

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