Celtics Mailbag: What can Brad Stevens do with new trade exception?

The offseason rumor mill remains busy for the Celtics even as the playoffs continue, with big and small moves seemingly on the table this offseason for Brad Stevens. Let’s answer a host of trade hypotheticals and other intriguing questions in this week’s mailbag. With an excess at the wing who would you trade from Hauser, Baylor, Hugo, and Walsh?

Hauser trade would open up more salary to use. Who would get Celtics more in return? — Paul It’s certainly nice to have some excess at that position given where we thought the Celtics depth chart would be entering last year’s regular season.

Everyone in that group had their moments last season. However, there will be fewer opportunities now with Jayson Tatum back barring other changes to the roster. Trading Hauser definitely frees up the most cash since everyone else is on rookie deals but he’s also the only proven shooter off the bench.

Baylor Scheierman made some big strides last year but he doesn’t have Hauser’s track record. Hugo Gonzalez probably has the most upside/value on the trade market given his age but the Celtics are very high on him as well so don’t think they will consider moving him unless it’s required to get a star-level addition or a big upgrade in the frontcourt. Moving Walsh would probably be my choice if one has to go and money wasn’t a factor but it’s honestly going to depend on subsequent moves across the roster.