Since the [Boston Celtics](https://chowderandchampions.com/boston-celtics/) were eliminated from the playoffs, trade rumors have constantly swirled around the team’s roster. In the three and a half weeks that the Celtics have been out of the playoffs, almost every player, besides Jayson Tatum, has had their name thrown in trade conversation, and rightfully so.
The Boston Celtics are deep into the second apron of the luxury tax and have an estimated tax bill of [$238 million](https://www.spotrac.com/nba/boston-celtics/tax) in the upcoming season. With Tatum presumably missing all of next season, ownership will not be willing to pay big money for a non-championship contending team.
Because the Celtics are expected to cut costs to get under the second apron, they will be extremely active in the trade market. But will they be active in free agency?
If they choose to target any free agents, this stretch five would be the perfect fit in Joe Mazzulla’s offense.
**Celtics Must Target Chris Boucher in Free Agency**
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Chris Boucher has played for the Toronto Raptors for the last seven years and is the only remaining Raptor from the 2019 championship team. In his tenure with the Raptors, Boucher has strictly been a contributor off the bench, averaging 8.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, shooting 33.9% from three in 17.8 minutes.
Boucher saw his role decrease with the Raptors these past two years as the team moved on from Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam, opting to retool the team around their younger core. Last season, Boucher played 50 games, averaging 10 points, 4.5 rebounds, shooting 36.3% from three in 17.2 minutes.
With Boucher unlikely to re-sign with the Raptors, the Celtics must swoop in and sign him in free agency. This is a great opportunity for the Celtics, as Boucher’s value has decreased over the past few years, potentially putting him in range for the Celtics to grab.
Boucher’s skill set would be a perfect fit in Boston, as he can stretch the floor and provide points off the bench. The Celtics are in dire need of bench scoring, as their bench was one of the worst scoring units in the league, averaging 30.4 points a game.
Not only that, but the Celtics still need to find Al Horford's replacement. Although Boucher is not nearly the player that Horford is, he can be a pick-and-pop option and be a factor on the boards.
There is very little that the Celtics can offer to a free agent money-wise, but since Boucher’s value is low, it would be beneficial for both sides if they could reach a one-year deal.
For the Celtics, it gives them another big man who can shoot. Besides Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford, the Celtics don’t have another big who can score off the bench. Although Luke Kornet is a better all-around player than Boucher, Boucher is a better fit for the Celtics' offense and could be a cheaper option than Kornet.
As for Boucher, he can boost his value on a one-year deal. He would instantly become the team’s second-best bench scorer and would get the green light to shoot, considering the Celtics led the league in three-point attempts last season (48.2).
This free agency class isn’t great, but the Celtics can’t just rely on the draft and trades to upgrade their team. Boucher would be a good signing if they could get him on a team-friendly deal.
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