DEAL ACCEPTED: Excitements Hit Great TD Garden As Toronto Raptors Power forward Chris Boucher has agreed to Signs a 4-year Contract With the Boston Celtics , worth $109 Million as their new…. See more

DEAL ACCEPTED: Excitement Erupts at TD Garden as Chris Boucher Signs 4-Year, $109M Deal with Boston Celtics

BOSTON, MA – August 7, 2025 — In a stunning move that has electrified the city of Boston and shaken the NBA landscape, Toronto Raptors forward Chris Boucher has agreed to a four-year, $109 million contract with the Boston Celtics, sources confirm.

The high-energy forward, known for his elite shot-blocking, hustle, and rim-running capabilities, will officially join the reigning Eastern Conference champions as their new starting power forward, immediately bolstering their frontcourt alongside All-Star center Kristaps Porziņģis.

Celtics Make a Statement

With the Celtics coming off a Finals loss to the Denver Nuggets, this blockbuster signing signals a clear intent: they’re going all-in for Banner 19.

President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens commented during a press conference at TD Garden:

“Chris is a competitor. He brings heart, intensity, and an edge to the floor every night. We believe he fits perfectly with the Celtics culture and will give us a new dimension both defensively and in transition.”

Fans swarmed social media within minutes of the news breaking, with #BoucherToBoston trending on X (formerly Twitter). Many see this acquisition as a masterstroke—adding a proven playoff performer to an already championship-caliber roster.

Why Boucher? Why Now?

Chris Boucher, 32, averaged 13.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game last season with the Raptors—his best season since joining the NBA from the G League. A late bloomer, Boucher’s path to stardom has been anything but conventional, rising from undrafted status to a championship contributor and defensive menace.

His combination of length (6’9” with a 7’4” wingspan), mobility, and athleticism gives the Celtics a versatile defensive anchor capable of guarding multiple positions—something they lacked in moments during their recent playoff run.

“He’s one of the most underrated rim protectors in the league,” said Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla.
“But beyond the numbers, he plays with a chip on his shoulder, and that’s what we want.”

Inside the Deal

The reported 4-year, $109 million contract makes Boucher one of the highest-paid power forwards in the league this offseason. The deal includes a player option in the fourth year and $89 million guaranteed—a testament to Boston’s commitment to making a deep postseason push over the next several years.

According to league sources, negotiations accelerated after the Celtics cleared cap space by trading Georges Niang and two future second-round picks earlier this week. That move raised eyebrows—but now it’s clear it was to make room for Boucher’s arrival.

Raptors React

The loss of Boucher marks the end of an era in Toronto. As the last remaining player from the Raptors’ 2019 championship team, Boucher was a fan favorite and beloved locker room presence.

Toronto GM Bobby Webster released a short statement this morning:

“Chris has been an integral part of our organization. While we’re disappointed to see him go, we’re proud of his growth and wish him nothing but the best in Boston.”

Meanwhile, Raptors fans are processing the move with a mixture of sadness and pride, acknowledging Boucher’s journey from the streets of Montréal to the NBA spotlight.

What This Means for the Celtics

This move instantly reshapes the Celtics’ depth chart. Boucher is expected to start at the 4, moving Porziņģis into more of a stretch-5 role. It also gives Boston the flexibility to run smaller, switch-heavy lineups or go big and bully opponents in the paint.

Projected Starting Lineup:

• PG: Jrue Holiday

• SG: Jaylen Brown

• SF: Jayson Tatum

• PF: Chris Boucher

• C: Kristaps Porziņģis

The bench unit, which includes Derrick White and Payton Pritchard, will likely benefit from less offensive burden and better rim protection when Boucher is on the floor.

Fan Reaction: The Garden Is Buzzing

Outside TD Garden this morning, fans gathered in celebration as local sports radio stations lit up with praise for the front office’s aggression.

“This is the move we’ve been waiting for,” said longtime Celtics fan Marcus Hill, wearing a freshly printed Boucher jersey.
“He’s hungry, he defends, he hustles—we need that energy in Boston.”

Online, the excitement was equally contagious:

• “Tatum-Brown-Boucher is a championship trio.”

• “C’s just upgraded big time. Finals or bust!”

What’s Next?

With Boucher in green, the Celtics are now considered co-favorites to win the 2026 NBA title. The front office may still look to tweak the roster—possibly adding more veteran shooting or depth at backup center—but their core is set.

Chris Boucher is expected to be officially introduced at a press conference scheduled for Friday, August 9th at 1:00 PM ET inside TD Garden. Jerseys with his name and new No. 25 are already in production and expected to sell out quickly.

Final Word

In a league where every contender is looking for the perfect edge, Boston may have just found theirs in Chris Boucher. With his unmatched energy, defensive prowess, and team-first mentality, the Celtics have landed a player whose value goes beyond stats—into the heart of the game itself.

Boston just got louder, stronger, and a lot more exciting.

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