3 Raptors who could be available in Rudy Gobert trade talks
By Mike Luciano
2. Chris Boucher
While Ujiri seemed to hint at Boucher’s favorable chances of making the 2022 roster, a Gobert deal could get the wheels of yet another sign-and-trade turning. Boucher could be a nice win-now piece to help Utah contend for a playoff spot without Gobert.
Even though he will turn 30 this season, Boucher’s hot second-half start has reinvigorated his stock within the league. Boucher averaged 10.7 points and 7.0 rebounds per game from December 5 onward. Utah will find a use for a player with his history and versatility on both ends.
Chris Boucher may not return to the Toronto Raptors.
Thad Young could also be a sign-and-trade candidate, but the younger Boucher might earn a longer contract and subsequently be a better asset than the aging vet. Boucher could cash in with Utah in a way that Toronto might not be able to afford with Gobert on the salary cap.
Boucher developed from a fringe pro player to someone that has proven in consecutive seasons that he can be one of the first guys off the bench for a playoff team. He could get a higher volume of shots in Utah, while Toronto benefits from Gobert’s unparalleled interior defense.