Celtics Bolster Frontcourt with Chris Boucher After Georges Niang Trade
The Boston Celtics have made a notable move to reinforce their frontcourt, signing veteran big man Chris Boucher to a one-year, $3.3 million deal, as confirmed by his agent Sam Permut of Roc Nation. The signing comes in the wake of the Celtics’ decision to trade Georges Niang to the Utah Jazz, a move intended to ease their salary cap strain and push the team below the second apron.
This offseason has been a pivotal one for Boston, especially with the devastating news that Jayson Tatum will miss the entire 2025–26 season due to a ruptured Achilles tendon. The Celtics have already parted ways with key players like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis to adjust to the league’s new financial rules. Boucher’s arrival signals a shift toward strategic, cost-effective depth additions with potential upside.
Chris Boucher, 32, brings a versatile skill set and a wealth of experience to the Celtics. At 6-foot-9 with an incredible 7-foot-4 wingspan, Boucher can defend multiple positions and offer shot-blocking and floor-spacing ability. Though somewhat undersized for a traditional center, his athleticism and defensive instincts have allowed him to thrive as a hybrid forward-center.
Last season with the Toronto Raptors, Boucher averaged 10 points and 4.5 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 49.2% from the field and 36.3% from beyond the arc. His journey to the NBA is one of perseverance, beginning with the Golden State Warriors’ G League affiliate in Santa Cruz, where he posted solid numbers before earning a call-up.
Boucher’s breakout came in the G League with Toronto’s affiliate, where he won MVP honors in 2019. He later played a supporting role in the Raptors’ 2019 championship run—ironically, a victory over the Warriors.
With Boston undergoing a reshuffle, Boucher has a chance to play a more prominent role—potentially even starting. His defensive presence and ability to stretch the floor make him a valuable piece for a Celtics team trying to stay competitive despite massive roster upheaval.
