The Celtics are actively exploring the trade market one week before the NBA trade deadline, and one area they are looking to upgrade is the front court. Given the team’s salary cap situation, they will likely be looking to open up roster spots in they bring in another big. Xavier Tillman and Chris Boucher have been out of Joe Mazzulla’s rotation for weeks now, making them obvious candidates to be dealt ahead of Feb. 5.
Michael Scotto of Hoopshype reports that Boucher is drawing ‘exploratory interest’ from the Hawks, 76ers and Suns among other teams.
Boucher signed with Boston back in August on a one-year contract worth the veteran’s minimum. The 33-year-old saw regular minutes in the preseason but fell out of the rotation in November. He last appeared in a game on Nov. 23 against the Magic. In eight games this season, Boucher is averaging 2.3 points and 2.3 rebounds per game while shooting a career-low 31 percent from the field.
However, Boucher is a 33 percent career 3-point shooter and played regular minutes off the bench for Toronto during the past six seasons. He could be a cheap bench depth option for a playoff team.
The question for the Celtics with Boucher will be whether they would have to add any type of sweetener (likely cash) to get off his contract. Boston is still $12 million over the luxury tax line, so they will be saving millions in tax penalties potentially if they end up replacing Boucher with a cheaper deal.
The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 5 at 3 p.m.