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Knicks Rival Poaches Potential Free Agent

The New York Knicks are seeing their division rival add to their roster.
Jeremy Brener|
Toronto Raptors forward Chris Boucher stretches during warm up before a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Toronto Raptors forward Chris Boucher stretches during warm up before a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. | John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

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New York Knicks

The New York Knicks are watching a division rival of theirs improve their team in free agency.

"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. Boucher lands a guaranteed deal with the Celtics and is expected to have a significant role in the frontcourt," ESPN insider Shams Charania tweeted.

"Boucher departs Toronto where he has the all-time franchise record in points, rebounds, blocks, minutes and games played off the bench. He also was the Raptors' last remaining member of the 2019 NBA championship team."

The Knicks could have benefitted from adding another big man and Boucher was one of the best left on the open market before the Celtics signed him.

Based on what Boucher told HoopsHype insider Michael Scotto earlier this summer, he may have been a fit for the Knicks.

"I want to be able to help a team win," Boucher said via Scotto.

"I think that I’m able to fill a lot of roles. One thing that’s good about me is you can put me almost anywhere except point guard. I’ll figure out a way to be impactful and consistent. I think I’m at the point where I can be on a team to help them win, play meaningful minutes, have a consistent role, and not hoping or not knowing what’s coming next."

Ultimately, the Knicks signed French national team captain and former Philadelphia 76ers forward Guerschon Yabusele as their big frontcourt addition in free agency.

The Celtics were able to sign Boucher after trading Georges Niang to the Utah Jazz.

"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 tweeted.

"Niang returns to Utah now and his salary goes into the massive John Collins trade exception along with two draft assets. The move allows the Celtics have more salary relief below the second apron."

The Knicks will look to contain Boucher and the Celtics when the two rivals meet during the regular season.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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