The Pros & Cons of trading Chris Boucher

Rumours are swirling around Chris Boucher being a player on the move for the Toronto Raptors before the trade deadline. Amit Mann discusses the value the 29-year-old brings to the Raptors, why his contract is an asset and why another team could benefit from adding the pending unrestricted free agent.

Video Transcript

- Boucher throws down the hammer.

- Trent Junior to Boucher.

- And how about the hustle of Boucher?

- As the trade deadline nears, the Raptors' brass got to make a decision on Chris Boucher. Let's discuss the pros and cons of dealing the 29-year-old.

The Toronto Raptors have two glaring holes at the moment. The starting center to help with their rebounding woes, and some kind of guard off the bench who can handle the ball, shoot, and score. Both of those could be acquired through trade, which brings us to Chris Boucher. A UFA at the end of this season, Boucher's $7 million salary is a bargain, and he would provide bench scoring, rebounding, and rim protection for any team with playoff aspirations.

If Boucher is moved out, it will open space for Precious Achiuwa, a player Toronto is seemingly invested in developing on both ends of the court. It would also give Khem Birch more opportunity to supply his steady defensive production and offensive awareness when he returns.

Nick Nurse recently stated that he prefers to keep intact the starting five of VanVleet, Trent Jr., Anunoby, Siakam, Barnes. So if Boucher along with, say, oh, I don't know, Goran Dragic, and a pick can get you a reliable guard with a few years remaining on his deal, that would be a welcome addition to a pretty shallow Raptors backcourt. Or maybe you can work something out for a starting center like Myles Turner, Richaun Holmes, or former Raptor, Jakob Poeltl.

Gary Trent Jr. And Fred VanVleet both have player options in 2023-2024, which they will surely opt out of, making next season critical for the Raptors. The Dragic contract has to be used well. It will be a colossal failure if Toronto ends up buying him out at the deadline, and don't get anything in return. Also, let's not forget that Chris could end up being on a team where he gets more stable minutes, and a chance to raise his value ahead of free agency. At 29, Boucher has a shot to get his first long-term deal, and that'd be dope for a player who's worked hella hard to make himself an NBA rotation piece.

Chris Boucher is a rare player type. I mean, 6' 9" with a 7' 4" wingspan, and can run the floor, guard on the perimeter, and is bringing a Dennis Rodman-type energy.

- [CHUCKLES]

- I mean, that is the-- that is the most beautiful picture right there.

- Boucher plays well above his weight, and lately when the Raptors win, he's had a major impact on the outcome. Over his last 15 games, Boucher is top 10 in offensive rebounding and blocks. Plus, in his last 10 games, he's hitting 40% of his shots from beyond the arc. And defensively, he's been an absolute menace. I mean, guarding on the perimeter, contesting at the rim, practicing good defensive habits. He fits the Raptors identity perfectly. So, why trade him? Not to mention, he's essentially the backup for Scottie, Pascal, and OG. Yuta Watanabe's shot has fluctuated, and Justin Champagnie is still a rookie. But give him credit for cracking the Raptors' rotation.

In a nutshell, Chris Boucher is exactly what they want coming off the bench, and fits the Raptors identity to a T.

- Boucher, there it goes. [INAUDIBLE] count the bucket.

- And it would actually make sense for the Raptors to re-sign Chris if the money makes sense. Overall, if the Raptors want to try and contend next season with this core, getting as much playoff experience as possible this season seems important. Boucher fits the Raptors like a glove, has shown he can be a difference maker now and in future seasons, so I'm reluctant to move him.

But if he needs to be included in a wow-deal that will plug the guard or starting center roll, then I'm cool with it. The gaps in Toronto's roster got to be fixed pronto for the team to raise its ceiling for the next few seasons, and it'll be easier to stagger their starters with one more core piece.

That's my opinion, though. Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and like and subscribe to our channel while you're at it.