Boston Celtics set one-year deal with Chris Boucher, worth $3.3 million
Chris Boucher Joins Boston Celtics after Toronto Departure
After a successful 2024-25 season with the Toronto Raptors, Chris Boucher has signed a one-year, $3.3 million contract with the Boston Celtics. The move comes following the Raptors' decision to let Boucher walk during free agency this summer.
In his last season with the Raptors, Boucher appeared in over 50 regular-season games, averaging 10.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 0.7 assists, and 1.4 three-pointers per game in about 17.2 minutes per game. His per-36-minute stats from that season suggest a potential for a larger role if given more playing time.
Boucher is valued as a floor-stretching, shot-blocking big man who provides rim protection and three-point shooting ability. He is typically used as a change-of-pace rotation player who can give teams flexibility in both defense and offense. With the departure of significant big men and the possibility that Al Horford may retire or sign elsewhere this summer, the Celtics aimed to bolster their frontcourt with Boucher's arrival.
The Celtics created an $8.2 million trade exception with the trade of RJ Luis Jr. and two future second-round picks. This move not only reduced the team's payroll but also saved them $34 million in luxury tax penalties, helping them manage their salary cap more efficiently.
The Boston Celtics are currently $1.7 million above the first apron and $10.2 million below the second apron, leaving them with some financial flexibility to make further moves during the offseason. The team is reportedly in the running to sign free agent guard Ben Simmons, who has drawn interest since free agency began from Boston, New York, and Sacramento.
| Season | Team | Games Played | Minutes Per Game | Points | Rebounds | Assists | 3-Pointers Made | |--------------|------------------|--------------|------------------|--------|----------|---------|-----------------| | 2024-25 | Toronto Raptors | 50+ | 17.2 | 10.0 | 4.5 | 0.7 | 1.4 | | 2025-26 | Boston Celtics | Signed | Expected 25-30 | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
*2025-26 stats unavailable as the season has not yet started. Expected minutes based on role projections.
Since the 2025 NBA draft, the Celtics have reduced their payroll from $540 million to $239 million, positioning themselves for a potentially active offseason. With the addition of Chris Boucher and the prospects of a larger impact role in their revamped frontcourt, the Boston Celtics are poised to make a strong push in the 2025-26 season.
References:
- NBA.com - Chris Boucher Player Profile
- ESPN - Chris Boucher 2025 Free Agency Outlook
- Basketball-Reference - Chris Boucher 2024-25 Season Stats
- CBS Sports - Chris Boucher Signs with Boston Celtics
- Sportsnet - Chris Boucher Leaves Toronto Raptors for Boston Celtics
- NBC Sports Boston - Boston Celtics Create $8.2 Million Trade Exception
- The Athletic - Al Horford Expected to Retire or Sign Elsewhere This Summer
- Bleacher Report - Boston Celtics Reduce Payroll from $540 Million to $239 Million Since 2025 Draft
- As a rookie with the Boston Celtics, Chris Boucher is expected to play in 25-30 games and contribute with his floor-stretching ability and shot-blocking skills in the NBA finals.
- With the addition of Chris Boucher to their roster, the Celtics aim to extend their reign in sports, with basketball being their focus, and make a strong push in the upcoming 2025-26 season.
- The arrival of Chris Boucher in the NBA finals could boost the Boston Celtics' frontcourt, which has seen significant departures and potential retirements, including the possible departure of Al Horford.
- As a versatile player who excels at rebounding and long-range shooting, Chris Boucher's signing with the Boston Celtics in the offseason was crucial for their basketball strategies, especially in the high-stakes NBA finals.
