With the NBA trade deadline now in the rearview mirror, the free agent market has opened up a few intriguing possibilities - and among the more familiar names available is Chris Boucher, the veteran big man who once began his NBA journey with the Golden State Warriors.
Boucher, now 33, finds himself back on the open market after a whirlwind week that saw him traded from the Boston Celtics to the Utah Jazz - and then promptly waived. It’s a tough break for a player who, not long ago, was one of the league’s most productive bench bigs during a solid seven-year run with the Toronto Raptors.
Golden State fans might remember Boucher’s brief stint with the team during the 2017-18 season. He was on a two-way contract and played just one game, but he still earned a championship ring as part of that title-winning squad. Since then, he carved out a respectable role in Toronto, where his energy, shot-blocking, and ability to stretch the floor made him a valuable rotation piece.
This past offseason, Boucher signed a minimum deal with the Celtics, but his time in Boston never really got off the ground. He appeared in just nine games, averaging 2.3 points and 2.0 rebounds in limited minutes, while shooting just 32% from the field and struggling mightily from deep at 13.3%. That’s a far cry from the 10.0 points and 4.5 rebounds he averaged in 17.2 minutes per game the season before in Toronto - numbers that still suggest he can contribute in the right situation.
The Celtics ultimately used Boucher’s contract as a financial maneuver, packaging him with a second-round pick in a trade to Utah to duck below the luxury tax. The Jazz, with no long-term interest, waived him shortly after.
So now the question becomes: What’s next for Boucher?
Golden State still has an open roster spot following last week’s trades that sent Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield, and Trayce Jackson-Davis out the door. And while Boucher’s name has been floated in connection with the Warriors - especially given his roots with the franchise - a reunion doesn’t appear to be in the cards.
Why? It comes down to fit.
The Warriors’ frontcourt is already well-stocked after their recent moves. Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford, both former Celtics, are now anchoring the big-man rotation alongside Draymond Green and rookie Quinten Post, who was drafted out of Boston College.
That’s four bigs with varying skill sets and experience levels, leaving little room - or need - for another frontcourt addition.
Golden State’s more pressing need appears to be on the perimeter. If they use that final roster spot, expect it to go toward a bigger guard or a versatile wing who can help with shot creation or perimeter defense.
As for Boucher, his path forward in the NBA is murky. A reunion with Toronto could make some sense - he knows the system, the staff, and the city - but beyond that, it’s hard to pinpoint a clear landing spot. At 33, and coming off a down year, he’ll likely need to prove he can still bring energy and versatility off the bench to earn another shot.
Still, Boucher’s story is one of perseverance. From an undrafted long shot to an NBA champion and key contributor in Toronto, he’s carved out a career many never saw coming. Whether this chapter closes with another opportunity or not, he’s already beaten the odds.