top of page

2022 Free Agents - Chris Boucher

Summary
After a couple years of only showing some flashes of production and getting benched in the playoffs, Boucher has received more trust from coach Nick Nurse over the last two seasons, playing over 20 minutes per game and being a regular part of the rotation.

After shooting 39% from three in '20-'21 on decent volume, Boucher slumped back down to 30% in '21-'22, and his overall career average is only 33.5%. He has also struggled to score at an effective rate inside, making him a low-efficiency player on offense. He does have a solid offensive rebounding rate.

On defense, Boucher moves his feet well defensively and uses his wiry athleticism to get a lot of blocks, but hasn't developed the anticipation and discipline to be a true rim protector. He also struggles against the bigger centers, as his thin frame makes it hard for him to battle inside.

I like Boucher as a change of pace big off the bench that can hit pick-and-pop threes, and wouldn't write him off as being a solid starter in certain situations, but think there is some limited upside there. Boucher will also already be 29 as a free agent in 2022, so he's not as young as some would expect, and this might be his best chance at getting one big contract.
 
Cap Considerations
Boucher will be an unrestricted free agent with a $13.3 million cap hold and full Bird rights. As his cap hold likely exceeds the salary he will get in free agency, and because the Raptors will most likely be operating over the salary cap, his cap hold is not really relevant.

If Boucher demands a starting salary of more than the full $10.3 million Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception, only teams with cap space will be able to sign him, unless a sign-and-trade is worked out. It is possible that Boucher could be had for the full MLE or less.

Potential Teams: Raptors, Bulls, Spurs, Hornets, Timberwolves

Predicted Contract: 2-year, $20 million with the Raptors

Actual Contract: 3-year, $35.3 million with the Raptors

Boucher did better than I expected, getting an extra year and a little more per-annual salary, but overall this result is not surprising.

Last updated: 6/30/2022

bottom of page