top of page

Summary

Boucher has become a fan-favorite among many hardcore basketball fans. After having spending most of his first two seasons in the G-League (and winning the 2019 G-League MVP), Boucher got more minutes this past season. He only averaged 12.3 minutes per game, but he was productive in those limited minutes. Boucher's block rate this season was in the 90th percentile for his position, per Cleaning the Glass. He also is an aggressive rebounder on both ends of the court.

 

Boucher's shooting ability could allow him to become a rare breed of big that can space the floor and offense and protect the rim on defense, but his shooting his more hypothetical at this stage of his career. On 86 attempts, Boucher only shot 29% from three. Despite already being 27 years old, Boucher has developed significantly over a short period of time, and a team may find his potential appealing enough to give him a significant offer.

 

In addition, Boucher certainly didn't help his market by not being able to get off the bench in the playoffs, as Nick Nurse completely cut him out of the rotation when the games mattered the most.

Cap Considerations

Boucher will be a restricted free agent with Early-Bird rights and a $2 million cap hold and Qualifying Offer. If the Raptors re-sign Boucher using the Early-Bird Exception, they could offer him a starting salary of up to 105% of the average salary this past season (roughly $10 million). They could also match an offer sheet Boucher receives in restricted free agency up to this amount using the Early-Bird Exception.

 

However, if Boucher gets an offer sheet with a starting salary above this amount, the Raptors would need to use cap space to match that offer sheet, and the Raptors may not have cap space, depending on what happens with their other free agents. The Raptors will also be hesitant to sign Boucher to a multi-year deal, considering they are gearing up for free agency in 2021.

 

An offer for Boucher would likely fit within the full Mid-Level Exception of $9.3M, so even teams over the cap will have the ability to sign Boucher to an offer sheet. Boucher may struggle to get a large offer sheet, as teams may not think the only way to get Boucher away from Toronto would be with a significant over-pay. However, Toronto's reluctance to give multi-year deals could make him getable.

Potential Teams: Raptors, Pistons, Hornets, Wizards, Pelicans

Predicted Contract: 2-year, $10 million (2nd year non-guaranteed) with the Raptors

Actual Contract: 2-year, $13.5 million (2nd year non-guaranteed) with the Raptors

I actually thought my prediction for Boucher might have been too high after he barely played in the playoffs, but the skilled big actually got more than I predicted. As expected, the 2nd year of Boucher's contract is non-guaranteed, as the Raptors looked to maintain flexibility for the summer of 2021.

Last updated: 12/31/2020

bottom of page