Celtics

Celtics reportedly sign veteran big man Chris Boucher to 1-year deal

Boucher was Toronto’s all-time franchise record in points, rebounds, blocks, minutes and games played off the bench.

Chris Boucher has had plenty of battles with the Celtics over the years. John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe

August 5, 2025

1 minute to read

Shortly after the Celtics reportedly traded away veteran big man Georges Niang to the Utah Jazz, Boston reportedly found his replacement.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Celtics have signed forward Chris Boucher to a one-year deal with a $3.3 million cap hit.

Boucher, 32, has been a stalwart on the bench for the Raptors over the previous seven seasons. As noted by Charania, Boucher is Toronto’s all-time franchise record in points, rebounds, blocks, minutes, and games played off the bench — and was the last remaining member of the 2019 NBA championship team.

The 6-foot-9 Boucher will likely play regular minutes on a Celtics team that has already lost plenty of frontcourt depth this season after the offseason exits of Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kornet, Al Horford, and now Niang.

He averaged 10.0 points and 4.5 rebounds in 50 games for the Raptors last season, all appearing off the bench.

Beyond Boucher’s standing as a dependable presence off the bench, Boston also stands to save some money by dealing away Niang and adding Boucher. By trading Niang’s expiring $8.2 million contract, Boston was able to alleviate some of their hefty tax bill.

ESPN’s Bobby Marks noted prior to the signing of Boucher that Boston’s tax penalties dropped from $73.1 million to $30.4 million by moving Niang’s contract. By replacing Niang’s $8.2 million salary with Boucher’s $3.3 million payout, Boston stands to save nearly $5 million in salary and millions more in luxury-tax payouts.