NBA Trade Notes: Jazz, Chris Boucher, Lonzo Ball, Celtics, tax

The Jazz are adding frontcourt depth while helping the Celtics trim their tax bill.

According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Utah has agreed to acquire veteran big man Chris Boucher from Boston.

The deal also sends Denver’s 2027 second-round pick to Utah, per Tony Jones of The Athletic. That pick originally came to Boston via Chicago in the Nikola Vucevic and Anfernee Simons trade.

For the Celtics, it’s a straightforward cost-cutting move. Cap expert Yossi Gozlan reports Boston will sit roughly $3.6 million above the luxury tax line after moving Boucher.

Utah is able to absorb Boucher using the minimum salary exception, as he is on a one-year, minimum deal.

The Jazz will need to open a roster spot to finalize the trade and are expected to waive Lonzo Ball, who is not viewed as part of the team’s plans.

It remains unclear whether Boucher sticks in Utah. If the Jazz were incentivized to take on his expiring contract, they could waive him and eat the remaining salary to regain roster flexibility.

Boucher, 33, spent seven seasons in Toronto before signing with Boston last summer. He struggled to find a role, appearing in just nine games and averaging 2.3 points and 2.0 rebounds in 10.4 minutes. He fell behind Neemias Queta and Luka Garza on the depth chart.

Another small move. Another tax lever pulled.