Raptors rumors: 3 teams that could trade for Chris Boucher
By Mike Luciano
The Toronto Raptors appear to have run out of patience for big man Chris Boucher. After emerging as one of the few players who managed to take a major step forward in the Disney bubble, Boucher’s play has regressed to the point that he was benched during a loss against the Celtics.
Boucher went from a legitimate Sixth Man of the Year contender in Tampa to someone that has been a complete non-factor on both ends this year. He’s been getting bullied in the paint, and his much-improved 3-point shot has evaporated into thin air.
If Masai Ujiri wants to trade some pieces to shake this rotation up, Boucher may be on the move. A free agent at the end of this year, Toronto could either flip him for some late draft picks or use his salary as a filler to sweeten a larger trade. Some team will be enticed enough by 2020-21 to take on the task of rehabilitating him.
If Ujiri thinks that this team requires a major shake-up, look for Boucher to be on the move before the deadline. Boucher still has plenty to offer as a scorer if he gets back on track, and that could entice one of these three teams to give Toronto some long-term assets in exchange for the skinny power forward.
3 teams that could trade for Toronto Raptors forward Chris Boucher
3. Minnesota Timberwolves
Former Raptors assistant Chris Finch, who helped mold Boucher into a stud last year, has done a solid job in Minnesota. The combination of Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards, and D’Angelo Russell have the Wolves on the fringes of the postseason. Minnesota has not been a buyer very often in recent years, but that could change this season.
The power forward spot has been an issue for the Wolves this season. Jarred Vanderbilt hasn’t put up gaudy offensive numbers and Taurean Prince is struggling to get any minutes at all. Jaden McDaniels appears to be a fine backup, but nothing more. Could Boucher give them some scoring punch at the 4-spot?
Could the Toronto Raptors flip Chris Boucher to Minnesota?
The Timberwolves could send the Raptors a few wing players in exchange. Josh Okogie is a former first-round pick and a quality defender, but his offense hasn’t impressed Finch. Jake Layman went from a rotation mainstay to an afterthought that could get some new life in Toronto.
If the Raptors want to get aggressive and throw another piece in the mix, that could make the Wolves consider how attached they are to Naz Reid or first-rounder Leandro Bolmaro. Finch has experience getting the most out of Boucher, and he could hand the Raptors