The Toronto Raptors have made their mark in the early stages of free agency, but Masai Ujiri would be foolish if he considers taking a break from trying to make additions elsewhere. Trading Chris Boucher might be one way to ensure that Toronto can be more flexible.
With the return of potential trade chip Otto Porter Jr. from injury and the signing of Jalen McDaniels in free agency, trading Boucher can make sure the bench rotation isn’t trying to cram too many people into it while also offloading an eight-figure salary in the name of financial versatility.
The Raptors might need to part ways with Boucher, long a gem of their developmental system, in a move that will upset some that want to hang on to some of the glory days of yesteryear. However, this roster needs a facelift, and the Canadian big won’t be a completely wholesale change.
These three teams should keep their antennas out, as they could be at the front of the line if Toronto wants to dump Boucher for either a collection of late picks or another bench player that could immediately impact new head coach Darko Rajakovic’s inaugural rotation.
3 teams who could trade for Toronto Raptors PF Chris Boucher.
3. Orlando Magic
The Magic make sense as trading partners for Toronto, as Orlando’s overabundance of ball-handling guards and the Raptors’ overflowing collection of versatile 6-9 forwards can both be solved with a trade. Perhaps Cole Anthony could come to Toronto in a hypothetical deal.
While Boucher’s role wouldn’t be too different from what he has in Toronto, as he would be a bench big that provides energy, but he won’t face as much competition for minutes. As such, the Magic could lock in one of their backup spots behind Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
Can the Orlando Magic land Chris Boucher?
The Magic are at a point where they no longer need to keep selling their veterans for picks. They have a young core, and the middle of the Eastern Conference is totally wide open. Orlando would be foolish not to take Toronto up on an offer like this that exchanges a guard.
The Magic would not only be able to get something in return for a player they might not have the funds to keep around, but they also could bring in a solid scorer and shot-blocker that can shoot 3-pointers when he gets hot. Perhaps a trip to Florida will unlock the Boucher the Raptors saw in Tampa.