Celtics could make harrowing mistake if they get too trade-happy

If the return for Sam Hauser is limited to second-round picks, the Celtics should hang up the phone.

Boston Celtics v Milwaukee Bucks | John Fisher/GettyImagesTrade season in the NBA is officially upon us. Not because any deals have been made to this point, but because most recently signed players became eligible for trade on Monday this week. For the first time in years, there’s legitimate reason to believe that the Boston Celtics will be active before the deadline.

Their hypothetical activity could take them down one of two (or perhaps both) paths. If the Celtics shed about $12 million in salary, they can get beneath the luxury tax and take the first step in resetting their repeater tax…