This Raptors-Timberwolves trade sends Chris Boucher to Minnesota

The Toronto Raptors were expecting big things from Chris Boucher this season, but he has taken some major steps in the wrong direction. Boucher has seen his shot-blocking skills evaporate while he struggles to find the offensive consistency that made him a valued commodity last year.

The Raptors are starting to slide down in the standings and turn their eyes towards the draft lottery, the idea of trading Boucher and getting some long-term pieces could appeal to Masai Ujiri. With Boucher playing seven minutes in the last two games, he has fallen out of favor with Nick Nurse.

Former Raptors assistant Chris Finch has the Minnesota Timberwolves firmly in the playoff hunt after years of rebuilding. To get their star trio of Karl-Anthony Towns, D’Angelo Russell, and Anthony Edwards some extra help on the offensive end, Boucher might be a trade target they can zero in on.

Is it perhaps not a coincidence that the one year in which Boucher put up amazing offensive numbers was the one year in which Finch was an assistant? With the power forward spot not providing much in the way of offense, could Minnesota flip some assets Toronto’s way in exchange for Boucher?

This Raptors-Timberwolves trade reunites Chris Boucher and Chris Finch.

Okogie, a former first-round pick out of Georgia Tech, has been a similarly disappointing prospect this season. His scoring numbers and efficiency went down the drain, which has led to Finch slicing his minutes. However, Toronto has shown a willingness to gamble on former first-round picks. Could he have a resurgence like DeAndre’ Bembry did?

Okogie has never been an amazing shooter, but if the Raptors trust Nurse and their staff to work with so many iffy shooters, why not add another one to the mix. If he does anything well, he can defend the perimeter. Toronto could use some of that after such a shocking regression on that end of the floor.

The real prize of this trade would be Bolmaro. Yet another 2020 NBA Draft choice who could join Toronto, Bolmaro was selected 23rd overall and stashed overseas for a year before his debut in Minnesota. While he is averaging just 1.5 points per game in limited action, that isn’t the best way to gauge his talent.

Bolmaro shot 45% from the field and 41% from 3-point range during his time with Barcelona in Spain. He’s also won some fans in Minnesota due to his feistiness on defense. Those two traits will win you plenty of brownie points with Nurse and this coaching staff. He’d get instant rotation minutes.

While this trade would leave the Raptors even thinner in the frontcourt, they could recoup assets ahead of Boucher’s impending free agency. Bolmaro and Okogie would improve the defense, while Boucher could be a solid reserve and spot starter for the Wolves.