Backup centers to target stemming from Bulls rumors ahead of the deadline: Chris Boucher
A really intriguing name to watch that could be a nice addition to the Bulls’ rotation at the trade deadline this season is the Toronto Raptors versatile floor-spacing big man Chris Boucher. In terms of what the Bulls could be seeking out from a backup center at the deadline, Boucher likely checks off a lot of the boxes.
Although there’s no guarantee that the Raptors are going to make Boucher available at the trade deadline, he is certainly a worthy target of the Bulls reaching out for. It wouldn’t hurt anything for the Bulls to at least see what it would take to get Boucher from the Raptors to provide more punch to the frontcourt unit down the stretch this season.
Boucher is a quality rim protector and rebounder that could also make an impact for the Bulls in terms of his floor-spacing ability. He’s not off to a great start this season shooting from beyond the arc. But that might be something that actually lowers the asking price for the Raptors to deal out Boucher next month.
The Bulls would be looking to get the version of Boucher that was a breakout player for the Raptors last season. In 60 games played with the Raptors last season, Boucher averaged around 14 points per game, seven rebounds, one assist, one steal, and two blocks while shooting 51 percent from the field and 38 percent from beyond the arc.
It feels like this deal hinges on how much the Raptors would be asking for in return to dish out Boucher. The Bulls giving up Coby should be more than enough to get this deal done hypothetically at the deadline. But it is also worth noting that the front office is seemingly valuing their backcourt pieces more in the last few weeks. Coby might not be as available in trade talks as he seemingly was a few months ago.