Raptors rumors: 4 potential trade destinations for Chris Boucher

The Toronto Raptors could be very active at the NBA trade deadline this season given their need to beef up their bench ahead of a potential playoff run. Most of the recent Raptors rumors are centered around power forward Chris Boucher, who will be a free agent after this season.

While Boucher was unplayable in the early parts of the season, he has averaged 12.1 points per game on 50% shooting to go along with 6.9 rebounds per contest. A 28-point, 19-rebound game against the 76ers shows that he is back to the form Toronto saw him reach during his breakout 2020-21 campaign.

With Khem Birch, Precious Achiuwa, and DJ Wilson all fighting for space in the rotation alongside Boucher, Toronto could be inclined to either swap him for a guard that has shooting skill. Perhaps they could recoup some draft picks as they try to get stronger for the future?

If the Raptors decide to flip Boucher before the deadline, they should try to get on the phone with one of these four teams. They could give Toronto a reliable asset to help for the postseason push or throw in some draft capital that could improve their 2022 outlook.

4 trade destinations for Toronto Raptors big Chris Boucher.

4. Sacramento Kings

The Kings have reportedly made everyone except for De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton in an effort to remake the roster and go for the postseason. Even if the Kings’ fortunes start to sour, Toronto could look to raid Sacramento in order to claim some of their bench players.

With Marvin Bagley III likely leaving town after this season, why shouldn’t Sacramento get a head start on evaluating a potential replacement? Boucher would certainly be a better defensive option. He’ll be able to be productive without a high usage rate or tons of offensive touches.

Toronto Raptors rumors: The Kings could give up picks for Chris Boucher.

If Sacramento is going to go for it, they are going to need to rework the frontcourt, and Bagley is not going to appease this coaching staff. Maybe swapping Bagley and Jahmi’us Ramsey in exchange for Boucher and Malachi Flynn with some picks heading Toronto’s way could get the job done?

While Toronto might not have enough assets to make a move for either of Sacramento’s star guards or first-round pick Davion Mitchell, they could still strike a deal with Monte McNair and the Kings. On a team without frontcourt depth, Boucher might have a bigger offensive role.