With the changing times in an ultra-competitive NBA landscape, the Raptors have shifted gears to a younger vision. While, for a bit, Chris Boucher was integrated as a reliable, sharpshooting veteran threat, it became clear towards the end of the season and into free agency that the two parties would not be working toward extending their partnership.
So, that brings us to where we are now. It's almost August, and much of the NBA free agency craze has subsided. Yet, the two-time champion still remains, collecting dust and awaiting a team to give him a deal. It's all but certain that Toronto won't be the team to give Boucher a deal, so which other teams serve as the ideal destination for the 32-year-old veteran to make the most of what's left in his NBA journey? Let's dive right in and take a look.
Orlando Magic
The Magic made their intentions to compete firmly known when they struck a massive deal to secure the services of burly sniper Desmond Bane. Orlando's defensive intensity goes without question; in fact, much of their current roster construction closely resembles the direction Toronto is also following.
But like Toronto, the Magic struggle to find dynamic offense with a talented forward duo of Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero. The team desperately needs proven, consistent shooters, and it wouldn't hurt if those guys also worked their you-know-what’s off on defense.
Look no further than one — Chris Boucher. Orlando might not have a ton of financial flexibility, but they can still shell out, perhaps, a veteran's minimum to bring on the Saint Lucian sniper. Sure, it's not a blowaway deal for Boucher in the twilight of his career, but since he's been sitting on the sidelines eagerly awaiting a contract, I’d reckon heading to Orlando wouldn’t be a terrible option.
Philadelphia 76ers
Philly is sort of in a weird spot. They could easily compete if the stars align, but it just so happens they have some of the most topsy-turvy talent on their roster in Paul George and Joel Embiid.
They added VJ Edgecombe in the draft (which I think is a great addition), and they still have bright young guards Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain in the fold, so I guess it's not entirely horrible. But to make things worse, one of their lone highlights of the terrible 2024-25 campaigns — the career resurgence of Guerschon Yabusele — would see him part ways for the New York Knicks in free agency.
The 76ers could look to fill the open Yabusele spot with Chris Boucher. Philadelphia is somewhat stuck with a costly salary sheet, but that doesn't mean they can't still offer a minimum deal to Boucher. And since Boucher hasn't received any significant offers yet, it’s starting to look like he's in the running to settle for that type of contract.
Golden State Warriors
This one just makes a ton of sense.
Boucher began his NBA career with Golden State, was part of their 2017-18 championship squad, and the Dubs desperately need some vets at the four/five spots. The rumor mill has suggested that Al Horford is their primary target, but even if that's the case, it wouldn't hurt to bring Boucher back on board.
The Warriors lost long-time vet Kevon Looney to the Pelicans in free agency, so why not recoup some of that gritty championship experience in Boucher? I like guys like Quinten Post and Trayce Jackson-Davis, but in terms of maximizing the veteran trio of Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green, when it comes time for the playoffs, having a reliable hand like Boucher could be a real bonus.