Celtics trade Chris Boucher to Jazz to reduce luxury-tax bill: Sources

In a moved aimed at trimming their luxury-tax bill, the Boston Celtics are trading Chris Boucher to the Utah Jazz, a team source told The Athletic. Boston also traded Utah a 2027 second-round pick originally owned by the Denver Nuggets to take on Boucher’s salary.

For the Celtics, the trade was financially motivated. Including luxury taxes, they will save millions of dollars by shedding Boucher’s $3.3 million salary. Considering his minimal role, it was likely an easy decision for them to trade him.

Boston is now just $3.6 million over the luxury-tax line after trading Boucher, though refilling his vacant 14th roster spot will add another $600,000 or so.

After signing with the Celtics as a free agent, Boucher, 33, started the season in the rotation. However, he quickly lost all of his playing time. After Nov. 23, he played in just one game — and his four minutes against the Kings on Jan. 30 came at the end of a blowout win. Boucher even remained on the bench when the Celtics frontcourt was shorthanded, losing minutes to Amari Williams, a rookie on a two-way contract.

The Celtics could look to sign another big man to replace Boucher, though they traded for Nikola Vučević on Tuesday.

The Jazz, meanwhile, have been a major buyer at the deadline, trading for Memphis Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson Jr. They also continue to be a team that takes on contracts others were looking to shed for draft picks, having already done the same with the Cavaliers and Lonzo Ball. It’s rare to see a team do both at the trade deadline.