In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NBA, the Boston Celtics have secured free agent forward Chris Boucher on a one-year, $3.3 million guaranteed contract, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania. The signing marks a bold pivot for the defending champions, who are reeling from the devastating loss of superstar Jayson Tatum to a ruptured Achilles. Boucher, the last remaining piece of the Toronto Raptors’ 2019 NBA Finals roster that toppled the Golden State Warriors, now steps into the spotlight as Boston’s newest weapon. But is this a stroke of genius or a high-stakes gamble? Let’s break it down.
The Celtics, fresh off their 2024 championship, were blindsided by Tatum’s injury, which has left a gaping hole in their frontcourt. Enter Chris Boucher, a 6’9” stretch forward whose versatility and relentless energy make him a potential game-changer. In the 2024-25 season with Toronto, Boucher averaged 10.0 points, shooting 49.2% from the field, 36.6% from beyond the arc, and an impressive 78.2% from the free-throw line. Add in 4.5 rebounds per game in just 17.2 minutes off the bench, and it’s clear why Boston sees him as more than a stopgap.
Boucher’s resume as a Raptor is nothing short of historic. He leaves Toronto as the franchise’s all-time leader among bench players in points (3,256), double-doubles (49), rebounds (1,897), blocks (347), three-pointers made (334), field goals made (1,518), minutes played (6,546), and games played (383). He also ranks second in steals with 176. These numbers paint a picture of a player who thrives in any role, making Boston’s decision to slot him into Tatum’s starting power forward spot both intriguing and risky.
Grade: B+
This signing earns a B+ for its low financial risk and high upside. At $3.3 million, Boucher is a steal, but his ability to fill Tatum’s shoes—both as a scorer and a leader—remains unproven. If he rises to the occasion, this could be the steal of the offseason.
Boucher is no stranger to stealing the show. In April 2020, he erupted for 38 points on 14-for-24 shooting and snatched 19 rebounds against the Chicago Bulls, showcasing his ability to dominate on both ends. His 6’9” frame, paired with a wiry athleticism, allows him to stretch defenses with his three-point shooting while crashing the glass for offensive rebounds. Defensively, he’s a rim-protecting menace, unafraid to challenge the league’s elite at the basket. His basketball IQ shines in off-ball movement, cutting to the hoop with precision and timing.
At 32, Boucher is in the prime of his career, blending veteran savvy with explosive athleticism. His ability to adapt to a larger role could turn this one-year deal into a springboard for a lucrative, long-term contract in 2026. For a Celtics team desperate for frontcourt depth, Boucher’s versatility is a lifeline.
Boucher’s journey to Boston is a homecoming of sorts. A standout at Oregon, he set a single-season program record with 110 blocks in 2015-16 and led the Pac-12 with 2.6 blocks per game the following year. Teaming up with current Celtics guard Payton Pritchard, Boucher was a cornerstone of Oregon’s 2017 Final Four run—the most historic in Ducks history. Despite a torn ACL in the 2017 Pac-12 Tournament derailing his draft stock, Boucher’s resilience shone through. Undrafted, he clawed his way to the NBA, earning G-League MVP and Defensive Player of the Year honors with the Raptors 905 in 2018 before securing a full-time NBA contract.
Now reunited with Pritchard in Boston, the duo could rekindle their Oregon magic. Pritchard’s playmaking and Boucher’s finishing ability could form a dynamic partnership, giving Celtics fans a glimmer of hope in a season clouded by injury.
The NBA world is buzzing, and for good reason. Boston’s gamble on Boucher is a high-reward move that could reshape their title defense. If Boucher thrives as a starter, he could keep the Celtics in contention while Tatum heals. If he falters, the low-cost deal minimizes the damage. Either way, this signing is a testament to Boston’s front office creativity, turning a crisis into an opportunity.