Celtics Linked To Former Cavs Guard In Creative Trade Talk

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Bleacher Report's Andy Bailey published a creative NBA article on Monday entitled, "1 Trade Every NBA Team Wishes It Could Make Right Now".

When it came to the Boston Celtics, Bailey imagined Boston sending Sam Hauser and a first-round pick to the Memphis Grizzlies for point guard Ty Jerome. Obviously, this is impossible, considering the trade deadline has passed, but it was a fun theoretical exercise from Bailey.

"The Boston Celtics already managed to duck the tax by trading Anfernee Simons for Nikola Vučević and moving Xavier Tillman in a separate move," Bailey wrote.

"With that goal accomplished, and given how well they're playing without Jayson Tatum, Boston doesn't really need to make a deal at all. But this one saves it a little more money and gives it a playmaking boost without sacrificing shooting."

"Since the start of last season, Ty Jerome is 12th in the league in box plus/minus, with averages of 23.9 points, 6.5 assists and 2.0 steals per 75 possessions and a 64.7 true shooting percentage," Bailey continued. "His heady, team-first game would make him an easy and obvious fit with the Celtics."

"He's worth a late first-round pick. In fact, the Memphis Grizzlies might be right to insist on more than that. But Jerome is a win-now player. And the Grizzlies, despite their inability to move Ja Morant, have clearly signaled a rebuild by moving Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr."

Hauser was thrown around in trade rumors leading up the deadline. He provides value on both ends of the floor, and as alluded to by Bailey, he's on an affordable deal that has him making between $10 million and $12.5 million every season through 2028-29.

Bailey's article makes you wonder if Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens will move Hauser in the offseason. For now, Boston fans are glad that Sam is still on board as the Celts chase Banner 19.

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