Multiple teams reportedly have kicked the tires on a potential trade for seldom-used Celtics big man Chris Boucher.
The Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns and others have shown “exploratory interest” in Boucher, according to a report Wednesday from HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.
The 33-year-old Boucher has more than 400 games of NBA experience, most of them with the Toronto Raptors, and was expected to have a role in Boston’s new-look frontcourt after signing last summer. But he’s been buried at the bottom of the depth chart since early in the season.
As of Wednesday, Boucher had not played in 29 consecutive games, with his most recent appearance coming on Nov. 23. His 91 minutes this season rank last among all Celtics players, not including those on two-way contracts.
Veteran Xavier Tillman also has seen very little playing time this season (110 minutes over 13 games) behind starter Neemias Queta and top backup Luka Garza. Two-way rookie Amari Williams has played over Boucher and Tillman of late with Queta and Garza battling illnesses.
Queta and Garza have held up well in their respective roles, lessening the Celtics’ need for center help. They still could look to upgrade the position, however, ahead of next Thursday’s NBA trade deadline.
Earlier this season, Boston “inquired about an exploratory framework” of a trade that would send guard Anfernee Simons, a first-round pick and a future first-round pick swap to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for center Ivica Zubac and “salary filler,” according to Scotto’s sources, but that proposal “didn’t gain any traction.”
Scotto also reported the Celtics shut down the Chicago Bulls’ offer of center Nikola Vucevic for Simons and a first-round pick, and that Boston is among the teams that have expressed interest in New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi.
