According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Boston Celtics are trading big man Chris Boucher to the Utah Jazz. Tony Jones of The Athletic reported that the Celtics attached the Denver Nuggets' 2027 second-round pick in the deal. They received that second in the trade that swapped Anfernee Simons and Nikola Vucevic.
After signing with the Celtics this summer, Boucher only appeared in nine regular-season games for the organization. His last rotation minutes were on November 23 in Boston's win over the Orlando Magic.
Boucher earned some end-of-the-night minutes against the Sacramento Kings on January 30. He took a three at the buzzer when the Celtics were up by 16, and Russell Westbrook took exception to the move. The two players seemingly talked it out, but that was Boucher's last act as a Celtic.
In his nine appearances, Boucher averaged 2.3 points and 2.0 rebounds. Michael Scotto of HoopsHype revealed that the Jazz will waive Boucher, who will have the chance to sign with a playoff contender.
BSJ Analysis
This is nothing more than a money move for the Celtics. Boucher was clearly not a rotation guy for Joe Mazzulla, so Boston decided to move him (and his salary) to clear up a roster spot. The Celtics will save some tax money with this clear.
There has been no indication as to what the Celtics had to attach to Boucher to make the deal work, if they had to attach anything at all (outside of the likely cash considerations).
Fresh off his big-time performance against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, Ron Harper Jr. seems like a prime candidate to have his two-way contract converted, as the Celtics only have 13 players on their roster now.
Brian Robb of MassLive also pointed out that after moving Boucher, the Celtics are just $3.6 million above the tax line. There have been no indications that ownership is pressuring the front office to get below that line, and Boston will have to sign another player (likely to a prorated deal) to get to the minimum of 14. Still, that number is worth watching.
With Simons gone, Mazzulla could use the extra guard depth. Harper may be ready to step into a platoon role.