Assuming We Keep Simons, What Centers/Backup Centers Are Realistic?

[keevsnick]

Hauser makes a lot of sense to move.  Decent contract size, has good value, etc.  Would open up more trade avenues.

If we were going to keep Simons, Hauser would be a logical piece to move.

If we expect to move on from Simons, I think we need Hauser's shooting off the bench.  His value is probably at a low right now, but in general having a guy who has a .600+ eFG% and plays solid defense is a plus.

Would moving Hauser still keep the Celtics above the luxury tax threshold? I know his AAV is only around $10 million and I thought I read somewhere that the Celtics are $12 million over.

If we traded Hauser without taking anything back we'd still be slightly over the tax.  We're $12,086,489 over.  Hauser makes $10,044,644, and we'd also need to sign a 14th player.

If the Celtics trade Hauser, Boucher and Tillman for no money in return at the deadline than signed three pro-rated minimums for the rest of the season they could get under the tax this year.

[86MaxwellSmart]

Celtics are not trading Hauser.

[Vermont Green]

The repeater tax applies if over 3 of 4 seasons. Getting under for just one season does not change anything. I see no indication that BOS has a goal to get under the tax. 

[Roy H.]

The repeater tax applies if over 3 of 4 seasons. Getting under for just one season does not change anything. I see no indication that BOS has a goal to get under the tax.

It doesn't change anything for this year, but it does change the 3 out of 4 timeframe and would allow the team to escape the tax in a future season.

Since the team is winning, I tend to agree with C21 that ownership will be less inclined to demand further cost-cutting.