Celtics Secure Trade Deal with Jazz
Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens has been proactive in navigating the trade deadline. Following an earlier deal that saw Anfernee Simons traded for Nikola Vucevic, another significant trade occurred. The Celtics have sent veteran big man Chris Boucher to the Utah Jazz, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania on February 5, 2026.
Celtics Trade Chris Boucher to Utah Jazz
The specifics of this trade remain uncertain, but reports suggest that it primarily serves as a salary dump for Boston. The deal is estimated to save the Celtics approximately $2.3 million, with the expectation that they will not receive players in return but rather second-round draft picks.
Boucher’s Performance and Role with the Celtics
Chris Boucher joined the Celtics on a one-year minimum contract in August 2025, seeking a rejuvenation of his career. Unfortunately, his time in Boston has been marked by limited play. Boucher appeared in just nine games during the 2025-26 season, averaging:
- 10.4 minutes per game
- 2.3 points
- 2.0 rebounds
- 0.8 blocks
- 0.6 steals
His shooting statistics reflect struggles, with just 32% from the field and 13.3% from three-point range. Boucher’s highest output included a notable seven-rebound game against Memphis, but he has generally found it difficult to secure a consistent role on a deep Celtics roster. Recent personal issues have also contributed to his absence from the lineup.
Background on Chris Boucher
At 33 years of age, Boucher’s journey began as an undrafted free agent after his college career at Oregon, where he averaged 12 points and nearly seven rebounds per game. He initially signed a two-way contract with the Golden State Warriors in the 2017-18 season but played only one game before being released. Boucher found new opportunities with the Toronto Raptors in 2018, signing a standard contract and playing a pivotal role in their 2019 NBA championship run.
Throughout his time with the Raptors, Boucher established himself as a dependable bench player, known for his shot-blocking capabilities and high energy. He earned the Sixth Man of the Year award for the 2020-21 season and holds career averages of 8.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and nearly one block per game over 416 appearances, with shooting figures of 48.7% from the field.
The trade of Chris Boucher to the Utah Jazz marks a significant moment in the Celtics’ ongoing efforts to manage their roster and financial commitments effectively as they seek to position themselves for future success.
