Brad Stevens, Boston Celtics
Getty
Brad Stevens, Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics have traded forward Chris Boucher to the Utah Jazz, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Boucher, 33, appeared in only nine games for Boston this season, averaging 2.3 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 0.3 assists in a limited bench role. Full details of the trade, including any players, picks, or cash heading to Boston, have not yet been disclosed.
The move gives the contending Celtics additional roster flexibility ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline while clearing $2.3 million from their salary cap. Boston remains approximately $3.6 million above the luxury tax threshold despite the move.
Shams Charania
The Boston Celtics are trading Chris Boucher to the Utah Jazz, sources tell ESPN.
Boucher Never Found His Role
GettyChris Boucher #99 of the Boston Celtics.
Boucher signed a one-year minimum contract with the Celtics in August seeking a fresh start. However, his 2025-26 season has been quiet, limited to just nine games with minimal impact.
The 6-foot-8 forward averaged 10.4 minutes in his appearances, shooting 32 percent from the field and 13.3 percent from three. His production reflected a reduced role on a deep Celtics roster. He hasn’t played since November 23.
“I felt like I still have a lot to give to the game,” Boucher said when he signed in Boston. “I wanted to go somewhere where I felt like there was a winning culture, winning, you know, energy, and also feeling like I wanted to see something different.”
That something different will now be Salt Lake City. Boucher was a 2019 NBA champion with the Toronto Raptors, where he spent eight seasons as a reliable bench big known for shot-blocking and energy.
What This Means for the Celtics
Spotrac’s Keith Smith noted that moving Boucher is about tax savings and clearing a roster spot. Boucher was never able to secure a rotation role with the Celtics.
Trading Boucher for nothing drops Boston to 13 rostered players. The league minimum is 14, so the Celtics will need to fill that spot within two weeks per league rules.
Earlier this week, Boston traded guard Anfernee Simons to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Nikola Vucevic. That deal helped strengthen Boston’s frontcourt and provided about $6 million in savings.
An important element of the Simons trade is that it dropped Boston below the first apron, which removed trade and buyout restrictions. The Celtics can now sign any player on the buyout market, regardless of the size of their previous contract.
Keith Smith
Moving Chris Boucher is about tax savings and clearing a roster spot. Was never able to secure a rotation role with the Celtics.
Celtics’ Options to Fill Roster Spot
Ron Harper Jr, Boston Celtics
GettyRon Harper Jr, Boston Celtics.
The Celtics have their full bi-annual exception at their disposal. Using it would hard-cap them at the first apron, but only for the rest of the season. The BAE is worth $5 million, and the minimum salary for a 10-plus year veteran is $3,634,153.
Boston could use $4 million of their BAE to outbid other teams for a buyout player if they felt strongly enough. They could also elevate one of their two-way players like Ron Harper Jr. or Amari Williams to a standard contract.
Harper Jr. delivered a critical supporting performance Wednesday night that helped the Celtics blow out the Houston Rockets. Williams has shined in big moments throughout the season. Either could be candidates if president of basketball operations Brad Stevens wanted to lock up their services for multiple years at a bargain price.
The flexibility has always been a priority for Stevens and the front office. With the trade deadline looming, the Celtics are evaluating their options following the Boucher trade.
Final Word
Boucher’s tenure in Boston never materialized the way either side hoped. The veteran big man couldn’t crack the rotation on a deep championship contender. Trading him creates cap relief and roster flexibility the Celtics can use before or after the deadline.
Utah adds a veteran with playoff experience to its rebuilding frontcourt. The Jazz have been active at the deadline, recently acquiring Jaren Jackson Jr. from the Memphis Grizzlies in a major trade.
For Boston, the Boucher deal represents another move by Stevens to optimize the roster. Not every signing works out, even for executives with Stevens’ track record. Moving on quickly and creating flexibility is the smart play.
The Celtics will need to add a 14th player within two weeks. Whether that comes through the buyout market, converting a two-way player, or another trade remains to be seen. But Boston now has the cap space and roster spot to make whatever move they deem necessary to strengthen their championship push.