NBA Trade Deadline: Chris Boucher Could Make Sense for the OKC Thunder
The trade deadline is almost here, and the Oklahoma City Thunder still need to add some size.
This season, the Thunder have surpassed expectations and are near the top of the Western Conference standings. However, the team still has some significant issues.
Oklahoma City’s most pressing issue has been its rebounding, specifically on the defensive end. The nine-win Washington Wizards are the only team worse than Oklahoma City in defensive rebounding percentage.
Toronto Raptors big man Chris Boucher could help with those issues. The Raptors big man might be on the move at the deadline, and the Thunder would be wise to go after him.
In his sixth season in Toronto, Boucher is not having as productive of a season as he has had in the past, but his skill set could translate well to Oklahoma City.
Of course, Boucher’s main contributions would be on the glass. Boucher would be just shy of Jaylin Williams in defensive rebounding percentage for the best mark in the Thunder’s rotation.
However, the long-time Raptor would be the best in total and offensive rebound percentage. The percentages are important because Boucher’s average of 4.1 rebounds doesn’t tell the entire story.
It does tell that Boucher’s potential role in Oklahoma City would be similar to his current role in Toronto. Averaging 14 minutes per game, the Oregon product has been used in a backup center and backup forward role in his 45 appearances this season.
He has also been more disciplined this season, for he has drawn more fouls than he has committed for the first time in his career. Although his offense has taken a step back, shooting only 33% from 3-point range this season, Boucher is a solid option for a small rotation role while being a relatively cheap option.
Boucher, making $11.7 million this season, could be traded for Davis Bertans in a one-for-one deal. With the added salary Toronto would take on, Oklahoma City could probably complete the trade with a couple of second-round picks.
By no means is Boucher a perfect player, but he may be ideal for what the Thunder need from a backup big man.
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