Celtics Rumors: Another Key Player Lands Contract Extension

The Celtics on Sunday took another step toward ensuring their core will be under contract for years to come.

Mere weeks after Boston finalized long-term extensions for Derrick White and Jayson Tatum, the 2024 NBA champions reportedly ironed out a new deal for Sam Hauser. Hauser's agent, Jason Glushon, told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski that his client and the Celtics agreed on a four-year contract worth $45 million.

The C's made sure Hauser would be on board for their title defense when they picked up his $2.1 million option in late June. But by extending the sharpshooting forward, Boston prevented Hauser from reaching free agency next summer, at which point he could have priced himself out of the organization with another great season.

Hauser, who ranked fourth in the league in 3-point percentage among qualifying players last season, played a crucial role on the Celtics' Finals-winning team. Undrafted out of Virginia in 2021, Hauser was trusted to play key minutes on the biggest stage, averaging nearly 16 minutes per contest in Boston's series against Dallas.

The 26-year-old is coming off a campaign in which he established new career highs in points, rebounds, assists and minutes per game, as well as free-throw percentage. Should Hauser stay on his upward trajectory, the Celtics will be an even tougher out in the 2024-25 season.