The Boston Celtics are at a crossroads. Just a year removed from their 2024 championship, a tidal wave of cap penalties and injuries has forced the franchise into full cost-cutting and retooling mode. With Jayson Tatum rehabbing a ruptured Achilles and several key championship pieces now gone, Boston continues adjusting on the fly.
The latest rumored scenario? A potential deal that would land six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan in a three-team swap—one that sends Sam Hauser to the Atlanta Hawks and ships recent acquisitions Anfernee Simons and Georges Niang to the Sacramento Kings alongside future picks.
Three-Team Deal Sends DeRozan to Boston
The full trade framework, proposed by Sports Illustrated’s Jackson Caudell and Rohan Raman, looks like this:
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Celtics receive: DeMar DeRozan, Keon Ellis, 2026 second-round pick (via ATL), 2029 second-round pick (via ATL via CLE), 2032 second-round pick swap (via ATL)
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Kings receive: Anfernee Simons, Georges Niang, unprotected 2027 first-round pick (via BOS)
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Hawks receive: Sam Hauser, Terence Davis
The Celtics’ focus is clear: survive a transitional season, cut costs further, and avoid the harshest penalties of the league’s new second-apron rules. In this scenario, that means sacrificing fan favorite Sam Hauser and moving off recent additions Simons and Niang.
But the upside? It’s real. This pitch would give Boston a proven scorer, shed salary, and preserve flexibility—all without compromising their core long-term.
Celtics Could Revitalize DeRozan
Despite turning 35, DeRozan remains productive. He averaged 22.2 points, 4.4 assists, and 3.9 rebounds last season and continues to excel in the midrange and late-game situations. On a roster without Tatum, DeRozan could step in as a go-to option and veteran presence.
Boston’s foundation—Jaylen Brown and Derrick White—would still carry the load. But DeRozan could add scoring depth and create space for Tatum to ramp up slowly when he returns.
And don’t overlook Keon Ellis. The 6’3″ guard quietly emerged as a defensive standout in Sacramento last season and shot 43% from three. He fits exactly what Boston needs: cost-effective, versatile guard depth. With Jrue Holiday gone, Ellis could become an immediate contributor in the second unit.
A New Era in Boston
Would this trade make the Celtics title favorites? No. But it could help them stay competitive in a retooling year without sacrificing the future.
DeRozan becomes a bridge. Ellis, a potential long-term piece. The outgoing salary helps Boston navigate the tax line. And with Tatum’s return uncertain, the Celtics keep their playoff hopes alive without mortgaging flexibility.
More importantly, it sends a message: Boston isn’t tanking—and they aren’t done building. They’re just doing it their way.
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