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.
2. Washington Wizards
The Wizards are open for business, as Michael Winger is not exactly shy about the fact that he is trying to bottom out and be as bad as possible to get in the Matas Buzelis and Ron Holland sweepstakes. Their backup point guards could be up for sale.
Monte Morris has already been dealt away, and the consistent Delon Wright might be next on the chopping block. If the Raptors attach some second-round draft compensation to Boucher in order to get off his contract, the Wizards might be interested enough to get a deal done.
The Toronto Raptors and Wizards should discuss Chris Boucher.
Boucher may not be a double-digit scorer with Toronto, but perhaps the Wizards might give him a larger diet of shots than a Raptors team that was indebted to their starting lineup. If nothing else, Boucher can be a backup for Kyle Kuzma and one of the first guys off the bench.
The Wright trade might be the best move for the Raptors if they want to kill two birds with one stone and trade Boucher to improve their backcourt depth. The Wizards will let Boucher shoot, which could help the veteran earn one last big payday in the NBA if he stands out.
1. Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets felt the sting of what winning a championship can do to a team’s roster, as their bench was ravaged by free agency. Thomas Bryant went to Miami, Jeff Green departed for Houston, and bench ace Bruce Brown signed a very expensive deal with the Pacers.
One way to replenish their depth could be adding Boucher, who seems like the type of stretch big that has typically had success alongside Nikola Jokic in Denver. Jokic’s contract makes adding players via free agency rough, but trading for Boucher could circumvent that.
Will the Denver Nuggets try to get Chris Boucher?
The Nuggets have traded some of their draft capital over the next few years in order to build a championship-level team successfully, but they are by no means in a bad situation with regards to how many picks are shipped out. Boucher could be acquired for a handful of less important selections, and a huge hole would be fixed by this enticing asset.
The Raptors can sometimes be loyal to a fault, but that loyalty can often manifest in trade talks. The front office has typically been very consistent with sending well-regarded players to situations conducive to winning. Giving Boucher a shot at a ring with Denver would be much appreciated by all parties.