Celtics Sign Veteran Forward, Solve Front Court Issues

On Tuesday, August 5, the Boston Celtics moved to solve some of their front-court issues. Brad Stevens has inked Chris Boucher to a one-year $3.3 million deal, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.

“Free agent forward Chris Boucher has agreed to a one-year, $3.3 million contract with the Boston Celtics, agent Sam Permut of Roc Nation tells ESPN,” Charania reported via X. “Boucher lands a guaranteed deal with the Celtics and is expected to have a significant role in the frontcourt.”

Boucher, a 6-foot-9 forward who can also slide to the center position, is an eight-year NBA veteran. He hit the unrestricted free agency market after his contract with the Toronto Raptors expired. He played in 50 games for the Raptors last season, averaging 10 points and 4.5 rebounds.

The Celtics have added a positionally versatile veteran who can score at the rim or on the perimeter. He’s also a valuable rebounder and should easily slot into Joe Mazzulla’s rotation for the upcoming season. It will be interesting to see whether he can command a starting role or will be a key player off the bench.

In all likelihood, Boucher will be a stop-gap addition. At 32 years old, he doesn’t fit the Celtics’ retooling timeline. However, the lack of viable depth and size in the front court was a concern, which Boucher now helps address.

Celtics Trade Georges Niang to Utah Jazz

As a precursor to the Boucher pickup, the Celtics traded Georges Niang to the Utah Jazz, as reported via Shams Charania on X. Boston will receive rookie RJ Luis Jr. as part of the deal. The Celtics also sent out two future second-round picks as part of the deal.

“The Boston Celtics are trading Georges Niang and two future second-round picks to the Utah Jazz for rookie RJ Luis Jr., sources tell ESPN,” Charania reported. 

Niang joined the Celtics as part of the trade that sent Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks. He leaves his hometown team having never suited up for the franchise. Interestingly, Luis Jr. was on a two-way deal with the Jazz, so, unless the Celtics convert that contract, he will likely spend most of the season with the Maine Celtics of the G League.

Celtics Still Have Anfernee Simons

Anfernee Simons remains on the Celtics roster. The offensively gifted guard joined the franchise via the deal that sent Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers. He is on an expiring contract, worth $27.6 million for the season.

Despite his large salary and his value as an expiring contract, the Celtics have yet to relocate him this summer. As things stand, Simons will head into the season as part of Boston’s roster. He will have the opportunity to either earn a new deal with the franchise or grow his trade value around the NBA.

Simons will likely partner with Derrick White in Mazzulla’s starting backcourt. That way, Payton Pritchard can continue to fulfill the sixth man role, where he shone last season. Of course, Stevens could still trade Simons between now and the February 2026 trade deadline.

The only thing for certain is that Boston is a roster in flux. It’s an interesting time to be a Celtics fan.