Chris Boucher Signs with Boston Celtics: Veteran Forward Agrees to One-Year, $3.3 Million Deal and Eyes Key Role
In a move that adds depth, versatility, and championship experience to their frontcourt, the Boston Celtics have agreed to a one-year, $3.3 million contract with free agent forward Chris Boucher, according to his agent Sam Permut of Roc Nation, who confirmed the deal to ESPN. The agreement includes a fully guaranteed salary, signaling the Celtics’ clear intent to utilize Boucher in a meaningful role as they look to defend their 2024 NBA Championship.
At 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, Boucher brings shot-blocking, energy, and floor-spacing ability to a Boston team that has relied heavily on a tight rotation of bigs in recent years. With the departure of veteran backup Luke Kornet and ongoing efforts to manage the minutes of stars like Kristaps Porziņģis and Al Horford, Boucher is positioned to become an impactful member of the Celtics’ second unit.
A Proven Rotation Piece
Boucher, 31, spent the last six seasons with the Toronto Raptors, where he established himself as a reliable contributor off the bench. Despite a reduced role during the 2023–24 season, he averaged 5.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks per game in just 13.2 minutes of action. While those numbers may seem modest, they don’t tell the full story.
Throughout his time in Toronto, Boucher consistently made his presence felt as a rim protector, weak-side shot blocker, and occasional three-point shooter. His best season came in 2020–21, when he averaged 13.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game while shooting 38% from beyond the arc. That campaign showcased his potential as a stretch big with high defensive upside — qualities the Celtics are betting on as they shore up their interior depth.
Why Boston Makes Sense
The Celtics have been active this offseason, retooling a roster that already boasted arguably the deepest and most balanced lineup in the NBA. However, with Al Horford turning 39 next season and Porziņģis facing persistent injury concerns, Boston’s frontcourt rotation was thinner than it appeared. Boucher offers a cost-effective solution with low risk and potentially high reward.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla and President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens have shown a keen eye for defensive versatility and positional flexibility — two attributes Boucher brings in spades. He is capable of playing both the power forward and center positions, particularly in smaller or more switch-heavy lineups, which fits well with the Celtics’ defensive philosophy.
On offense, his ability to hit the corner three (career 33.3% from deep) and crash the offensive glass offers another weapon for a team that spaces the floor around the shot creation of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Jrue Holiday.
Opportunity for Resurgence
For Boucher, this move to Boston could be a career-reviving opportunity. After falling out of Toronto’s rotation under head coach Darko Rajaković last season, the Montreal native was seeking a new start and a team where his skills would be appreciated and better utilized. Boston offers just that — a winning environment, championship expectations, and a system that rewards hustle and defensive effort.
In a league that increasingly values versatile defenders and mobile bigs, Boucher still fits the mold. His unique combination of timing, length, and motor has allowed him to carve out a role as a high-impact bench player, and now he has the chance to do so for a title contender.
What the Deal Means for Boston
The one-year, $3.3 million deal falls under the veteran’s exception and does little to impact Boston’s luxury tax situation or roster flexibility. It’s a classic Brad Stevens move — a low-cost, intelligent signing of a player who fits a specific need without compromising team chemistry or long-term cap planning.
Boston still retains core contributors like Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, and Sam Hauser, and with Boucher now in the fold, the Celtics’ frontcourt has more options to endure the rigors of an 82-game season and a deep playoff run.
Final Thoughts
Chris Boucher’s addition to the Celtics is one of those under-the-radar moves that could prove to be quietly pivotal come playoff time. With championship experience, a defensive mindset, and a hunger to prove himself again, Boucher arrives in Boston with a chip on his shoulder and a clear path to significant minutes.
For the Celtics, who are aiming for back-to-back titles for the first time since the Larry Bird era, every roster spot matters. And with Boucher now officially on board, Boston’s title defense just got a little more robust — and a lot more interesting.
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