Knicks predicted to acquire 6-foot-8 former Warriors forward, two-time NBA champion via buyout

Knicks predicted to acquire 6-foot-8 former Warriors forward, two-time NBA champion via buyout originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .

The New York Knicks ’ roster isn’t complete despite being active during the trade season.

New York still has an open roster spot to fill, allowing them to explore the buyout market for an asset who could serve as a valuable role player.

According to DailyKnicks’ Mark Nilon, a 6-foot-8 former Golden State Warriors forward and two-time NBA champion, should be deemed a viable target.

“ Chris Boucher could add much-needed frontcourt depth for Knicks,” Nilon wrote Monday. “Before injuries started to take their toll on New York 's guard rotation, it was their big man depth that took center stage in the positional needs department.”

“With Karl-Anthony Towns ' up-and-down play throughout the season, coupled with Mitchell Robinson 's well-documented health issues throughout his career, this shouldn't surprise anyone.”

Boucher didn’t contribute much to the Warriors’ 2018 championship and the Toronto Raptors ’ 2019 championship. However, the Oregon product began to show his worth as a lengthy forward who can handle the ball in the open floor, finish through contact at the rim, and defend multiple positions in Year 3.

Boucher averaged 6.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game with the Raptors as a third-year pro, shooting 47.2% from the field and 32.2% from beyond the arc.

The 2020-21 campaign was Boucher’s most productive in Toronto, as the 33-year-old contributed 13.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game while shooting 51.4% from the field and 38.3% from long range.

Boucher joined the Boston Celtics last August but was traded to the Utah Jazz on the final day of the trade season. With the Jazz waiving the Castries, the Saint Lucia native is officially on the buyout market.

Boucher’s length and versatile skill set could give the Knicks an incentive to hand him the franchise’s open roster spot. It’ll be interesting to see if New York expresses interest in adding the experienced veteran this season.

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