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Summary
Despite Aron Baynes being brought in to fill the hole left behind by Marc Gasol's departure as the starting center, he has been outplayed by Boucher. However, Nick Nurse still does not fully trust Boucher as a center, often getting to smaller lineups with OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam as the two bigs. Boucher shot 39% from three this past season on decent volume, but really struggled to score at an effective rate inside.

On defense, Boucher moves his feet well defensively and uses his wiry athleticism to get some blocks, but hasn't developed the anticipation and discipline to be a true rim protector. He also struggles against the bigger centers, as his thin frame makes it hard for him to battle inside.

I like Boucher as a change of pace big off the bench that can hit pick-and-pop threes, and wouldn't write him off as being a solid starter in certain situations, but think there is some limited upside there. Boucher will also already be 28 this summer, so he's not as young as some would expect.
 
Cap Considerations
Boucher's $7 million salary for 2021-2022 is non-guaranteed, and if he is waived he will become an unrestricted free agent and the Raptors will have no form of Bird rights on him.  The Raptors may waive Boucher in order to maximize their cap space. However, the 2021 free agency class is looking less spectacular than it once did, so the Raptors may end up keeping Boucher. Also, keep in mind that last year the Knicks waived Elfrid Payton and were able to bring him back at a lower number, so the Raptors could try to do the same if they don't think he's worth the $7 million.
 
If Boucher becomes a free agent, other teams will have multiple ways to sign him as even teams without cap space could possibly use either of the Non-Taxpayer MLE, Taxpayer MLE, or possibly even the Room MLE to sign him. A team could also claim if off waivers if he is waived by the Raptors.

Potential Teams: Raptors, Bucks, Timberwolves, Hornets, Cavaliers

Predicted Contract: Not waived: $7 million

If waived: 2-year, $20 million with the Timberwolves

Actual Contract: Not waived: $7 million
As expected, Boucher was not waived, as the Raptors did not end up using cap space, instead operating over the cap and getting Goran Dragic and Precious Achiuwa from Miami in the sign-and-trade for Kyu

Last updated: 8/16/2021

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