We’re just over a week away from the Feb. 5 NBA Trade Deadline. For months, Boston Celtics fans have wondered what’s in store for their team. A big splash? Fringe move? Maybe even just a financial flex?
The latter felt as if it’d be the most realistic for the majority of 2025. After watching the Celtics reshape their roster to dive beneath the league’s second-apron this past summer, it only made sense that they’d aim to fully reset their repeater tax penalties before the deadline.
As of today, Jan. 28, they sit $4 million above the first apron and $12 million above the luxury tax line. With the way the team has performed -- second in the East with a 29-17 record -- it’s tough to envision that Brad Stevens would want to offload Anfernee Simons or Sam Hauser (the only two Celtics who make enough to reset or get close to resetting the tax).
The first apron is a more realistic target. Clearing $4 million isn’t super easy with the different restrictions the Celtics currently face (unable to take back additional salary in a trade), but it’s still doable.
Chris Boucher has surprisingly generated some interest around the league
One of the most movable contracts on the roster is that of Chris Boucher. Boucher signed in Boston back in August, after spending several seasons with the Toronto Raptors. At the time, the former Oregon standout seemed like he could give the Cs some solid minutes at the power forward spot, thanks to his proven three-point shot.
That couldn’t be further from how things worked out. Boucher hasn’t seen the floor since Nov. 23 and has completely fallen out of Joe Mazzulla’s rotation -- a feat that literally no one else on the 15-man roster has been able to manage.
It just feels like Boucher has no future with the Celtics.
Surprisingly, it sounds like there are a handful of teams who wouldn’t mind taking a swing on him at the deadline, despite how little he's played this season.
According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, and a few other teams have checked in on the 33-year-old’s availability.
“Boucher has drawn exploratory interest from the Hawks, 76ers, Suns, and other teams, league sources told HoopsHype,” Scotto wrote.
Boucher only makes $2.3 million. So, moving him alone wouldn’t get Boston below the first apron, but it could be the first step in doing so.
If nothing else, a trade would give the veteran forward an opportunity to prove himself elsewhere. At 33, he’s probably not loving the time he’s spent on the bench. Life in the NBA is fragile. Each year, 60+ players come into the league, making it harder for fringe vets like Boucher to last.
A change of scenery is probably best for both parties here.