The Boston Celtics have made a significant roster change by trading Anfernee Simons and his sizable contract for forward Nikola Vucevic, a move that many have been anticipating. This trade signals the team’s intentions as they look to strengthen their lineup ahead of the February 5 deadline.
In conjunction with this recent trade, attention has turned to veteran forward Chris Boucher, who was signed this summer after the Celtics traded for and later moved Georges Niang. The 33-year-old Boucher is now in his eighth season in the NBA and previously had a standout year in 2020, averaging 13.6 points per game. However, he has struggled to maintain that level since, failing to hit double-digit averages in more recent seasons.
Boucher has recently been listed as “out” for “personal reasons” ahead of the upcoming road game against the Dallas Mavericks. While he may indeed be dealing with personal matters, this phrase often raises eyebrows during the trade season, as it can indicate that discussions regarding a potential trade are in progress.
Currently, Boucher is on a veteran minimum contract, yet his output has not matched expectations, leading some to question the value he brings to the team. Boston Celtics Wire’s Daniel Donabedian highlighted Boucher’s minimal playing time, noting that he has only logged four minutes of play in the 2025 season, participating in just nine games thus far. In comparison, even rookie center Amari Williams has seen more court time than Boucher this season.
Given this limited playing opportunity, trading Boucher could be a strategic move for the Celtics as they finalize their roster to compete for another championship. With about 48 hours remaining until the trade deadline, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Boston makes further moves to fortify their team. The potential for a dynamic roster shift not only fuels excitement among supporters but also reaffirms the Celtics’ commitment to a successful season ahead.