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.