Pros and Cons of Raptors keeping Chris Boucher over Thad Young

Verdict

If only one could be retained, Young is the better option here. Boucher is going to command a longer, more expensive contract. At the same time, his defensive impact is overstated when compared to Young and his poor start to last season should give the front office pause for thought.

Which scenario of these two sounds better to you? Should the Raptors hand Boucher the multi-year deal he wants and still struggle with a lack of height and perimeter shooting, or sign Young for slightly cheaper and use the saved money to get a deeper bench?

The Toronto Raptors must keep Thad Young over Chris Boucher.

Young was the supercharger that made Toronto’s engine kick into hyperdrive last season. The idea of bringing that back without crossing into three years of guaranteed money will make the capologists in the front office giggle with glee. His locker room qualities are hard to replace.

Boucher has earned a very lucrative contract. He might be better off looking elsewhere to get the most money upfront. He’s not going to get as much money on his third contract. Go take the money elsewhere, Chris! We’ll be good with Thad and some new bench pieces.