The Utah Jazz are making a low-risk, high-flexibility move while giving the Boston Celtics a little breathing room on their luxury tax bill.
Veteran big man Chris Boucher is headed to Salt Lake City in a trade that sends a 2027 second-round pick-originally Denver’s, via Chicago-to the Jazz. Boston clears some cap space in the process, trimming approximately $3.6 million off its tax obligations. For a team deep in the luxury tax, every dollar matters, and this move helps Boston get a little leaner financially without shaking up its core rotation.
On Utah’s side, the Jazz are using the minimum salary exception to absorb Boucher’s expiring contract. That means no outgoing salary was required, making this a clean, strategic pickup.
But don’t mistake this for a long-term commitment. At 33 years old and on a one-year minimum deal, Boucher is more of a roster piece than a building block.
The Jazz will need to open up a roster spot to complete the deal, and all signs point to Lonzo Ball being the odd man out. Ball hasn’t played since 2022 due to ongoing knee issues and isn't expected to be part of Utah’s future plans. Waiving him would clear the necessary space.
As for Boucher’s role in Utah? That’s still up in the air.
He could be a short-term depth option or simply a placeholder while the Jazz evaluate their roster ahead of the trade deadline. There’s also a chance Utah waives him outright to retain flexibility for other moves.
Boucher’s recent production doesn’t exactly demand playing time. After seven seasons in Toronto, he signed with Boston this past offseason but barely cracked the rotation.
He played in just nine games, averaging 2.3 points and 2.0 rebounds in 10.4 minutes per contest. He found himself behind Neemias Queta and Luka Garza in the Celtics’ frontcourt pecking order.
For Boston, this is about tightening the books. For Utah, it’s a small swing with minimal downside. Another quiet move around the margins-but sometimes, those are the ones that set the stage for something bigger.