The Boston Celtics have had a rough all-around offseason thus far. Due to tax implications, the team had to trade away both Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis.
Add in the fact that Jayson Tatum is expected to miss most of if not all of the 2025-26 season due to a torn Achilles and the team doesn’t look like a contender.
Despite the slow offseason for the Celtics, Brad Stevens has remained active.
On Tuesday afternoon, the team agreed to a deal with the Utah Jazz to send Georges Niang and two future second-round picks for rookie RJ Luis Jr. That move will bring in an intriguing young player who could be a part of the puzzle long-term.
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Immediately following the trade to send Niang out of town, Boston dipped into free agency to fix its need at center.
According to a report from ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania, the Celtics have agreed to a one-year, $3.3 million contract with free agent center Chris Boucher.
“Free agent forward Chris Boucher has agreed to a one-year, $3.3 million contract with the Boston Celtics, agent Sam Permut of Roc Nation tells ESPN,” Charania wrote on X. “Boucher lands a guaranteed deal with the Celtics and is expected to have a significant role in the frontcourt.”
Boucher could very well end up being Boston’s starting center during the 2025-26 season. Luke Kornet also walked in NBA free agency to sign with the San Antonio Spurs, opening up a huge hole at the center position.
During the 2024-25 NBA season with the Toronto Raptors, Boucher played in 50 games without making a single start. He came off the bench to average 10 points per game and 4.5 rebounds in 17.2 minutes.
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In addition, the 32-year-old big man shot 49.2 percent from the floor and knocked down 36.3 percent of his three-point attempts.
Should things go well between Boucher and the Celtics during the upcoming season, he could be a piece retained for another year or two. He’s an underrated role player who could be a nice piece when Boston is back to full health.
Stevens and the Celtics may not be done, but the two moves have added quality pieces to the team. At least for now, the team is better than it was yesterday.
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