The Toronto Raptors have looked surprisingly good to begin the 2021-22 NBA season given that Kyle Lowry is now in Miami and Pascal Siakam just returned to the lineup after offseason shoulder surgery, but at the same time, they have underutilized Chris Boucher in their frontcourt to begin the season.
Last season, Boucher emerged as one of the better bench players in the league, finishing the season ranking 13th in the league in total points off the bench, but Toronto has not played him as often as they should.
With Precious Achiuwa, OG Anunoby, Scottie Barnes and Khem Birch all getting time in the frontcourt this season, Boucher’s minutes are down -10.9 compared to last year and his scoring is down -8.4 as a result.
Now in the final year of his contract, Chris Boucher still holds some value to teams across the NBA as a energetic bench threat in the frontcourt, so could the Raptors take this opportunity to trade Boucher ahead of the trade deadline?
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It definitely makes sense for them to leverage the 28-year-old big man right now, especially since his value is still somewhat high after the “Sixth-Man” season he had last year. Only owed $7M in the final year of his deal, a team like the Minnesota Timberwolves could be interested in making a move for Boucher.
Karl-Anthony Towns is the Timberwolves’ All-Star at the center position, but they really do not have much talent in their frontcourt around him. Both Jaden McDaniels and Jarred Vanderbilt are two young players still growing, as is Naz Reid at the center position.
Bringing in Chris Boucher not only gives them another player to utilize next to Towns, but someone who could help in the development of guys like Vanderbilt, McDaniels and others. Minnesota is going to be fighting for a chance to make the playoffs this year and they are going to need all the help they can get.
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Not having the most depth in the world, going out and trading for a guy like Boucher gives the Minnesota Timberwolves another bench talent to utilize and a player that they can rely on whether it is on offense or defense.
Toronto is going to be looking to add some more talent and future value at some point this season and with Minnesota having a need for another frontcourt talent, it makes sense for a trade involving Chris Boucher to happen.
