Chris Boucher Traded to Jazz, Likely Headed to Buyout Market - What’s Next for the Veteran Big Man?
While the NBA trade deadline delivered its usual flurry of blockbuster moves and headline-grabbing deals, one quieter transaction flew under the radar - but it could still have ripple effects down the stretch. Veteran forward/center Chris Boucher has been traded from the Boston Celtics to the Utah Jazz, a move primarily aimed at helping Boston clear some salary. In exchange, the Celtics sent a second-round pick to Utah as compensation for taking on Boucher’s contract.
The expectation now? That Boucher will be waived by the Jazz, making him a free agent just in time to hit the buyout market and potentially latch on with a playoff contender.
It’s a quick turn of events for Boucher, who signed with Boston this past offseason after spending the previous seven years with the Toronto Raptors - including as part of their 2019 championship team. At the time, it looked like a fresh start. Boston needed frontcourt depth, and Boucher, with his energy, shot-blocking, and floor-spacing ability, seemed like a solid fit.
But that opportunity never materialized. Boucher appeared in just nine games for the Celtics, averaging 2.3 points and 2 rebounds in limited minutes. For a player once known for his hustle plays and ability to stretch the floor as a big, it was a quiet and underwhelming stint.
So what went wrong?
A lot of it came down to fit and opportunity. Boston’s rotation was already deep, and Boucher simply never found a consistent role.
He wasn’t ineffective - just underused. And for a 33-year-old trying to prove he still belongs in the league, that kind of invisibility can be costly.
Now, his NBA future hangs in the balance.
The buyout market could provide a lifeline. Teams in the playoff hunt are always looking for experienced depth, especially bigs who can shoot and defend in spurts.
And Boucher has shown he can do both when given the chance. He’s not far removed from averaging double figures in Toronto, and he’s played meaningful minutes in the postseason.
That said, this could be his last real shot to stick in the league. If a contender scoops him up, he’ll need to make an immediate impact - even in limited minutes - to remind front offices of the value he brings. If he’s passed over entirely, it may signal the end of what’s been a unique and inspiring NBA journey.
Boucher’s story has always been one of perseverance - undrafted, overlooked, and yet he carved out a role in the league through grit, hustle, and a hard-earned jumper. Whether he gets another chapter remains to be seen, but for now, he’s a name to watch as the buyout market starts to take shape.