Boucher, who is now over 30, no longer fits into the Toronto Raptors’ plans, according to general manager Masai Ujiri. The team is focused on getting younger and increasing financial flexibility, which Boucher, at 31 years old, cannot provide. Ujiri has already made bold moves this season, trading away franchise players Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby. However, Boucher’s contract may pose a challenge in finding a trade partner, as he is signed to a three-year, $35 million deal. Despite being a bench player, Boucher has been a regular fixture in the Raptors’ lineup, averaging 6.1 points and four rebounds in limited minutes. However, it’s clear that the team does not see him in their future plans, as he was benched for two consecutive games.
After being a part of the 2019 championship-winning Raptors team that defeated the Golden State Warriors in six games, the former Oregon Duck became the first Canadian player to win an NBA championship with a Canadian franchise. Although he only played in two games during the title run, Boucher became a key contributor off the bench in the following seasons. Between 2019-20 and 2022-23, he appeared in 276 regular season games, averaging 19.6 minutes per contest. His best season was in 2020-21, where he averaged 13.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game, despite the Raptors finishing 12th in the Eastern Conference with a record of 27-45.
As for potential trade destinations, Boucher is likely to end up in the Western Conference. The Clippers have expressed interest in a backup big, making them a possible fit for Boucher. Other teams in need of a backup center include the Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Houston Rockets.
