Mar 9, 2022; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Lonnie Walker IV (1) dribbles the ball in the first half against the Toronto Raptors Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports
The Toronto Raptors need to figure out what the plan with Chris Boucher is before they can create a more robust plan of attack in the offseason. A sign-and-trade can’t be ruled out as a possibility if Boucher gets a handy multi-year offer, as Toronto could get a quality bench standout in return.
The San Antonio Spurs could be a solid landing spot, as they have a potential free agent that could reach his full potential as Toronto’s bench gunner. Lonnie Walker IV has put up his best offensive numbers in recent years, but San Antonio will probably toss him aside to make room for Dejounte Murray and Keldon Johnson extensions.
Toronto needs a quality Gary Trent Jr. backup, and Walker would undoubtedly suffice as a replacement. Likewise, San Antonio could use an experienced frontcourt member as support now that Jakob Poeltl is morphing into a star, and they could get that in Boucher.
If the Raptors can pull this trade off and part with their homegrown Canadian, they could snag one of the very best available wing players while getting Boucher somewhere that will compensate him well and guarantee him tons of minutes. Double sign-and-trades are exceedingly rare, but they could still happen.
LONNIE WALKER JUMPED OUT OF THE GYM 😱 pic.twitter.com/WwFeWN7Lek
Walker’s status as a 23-year-old wing looking to finally break out in the pros and Boucher’s as a 30-year-old forward looking to cash in on a multi-year contract means that they should earn similar contracts in free agency. Toronto needs a shooter and bench scorer more than another 6-8 forward.
Walker will be an ideal Sixth Man for Toronto if he comes on a three-year contract. After setting a new career-best with 12.1 points per game last season, Walker started to show that he can be a reliable scorer on a playoff team. The jumper is just a tad broken, but Nick Nurse will like to work with someone that can leap and finish as he can.
Given how Boucher likely only has one opportunity to cash in on a huge multi-year free agent deal thanks to his age, he might just go to whoever offers him the most guaranteed money upfront. Given the tax situation and San Antonio’s cap space, the Spurs can’t be ruled out as a destination.
Chris Boucher is an upcoming UFA this offseason. What could his contract look like? @BlakeMurphyODC joins @william_lou to break down how Boucher could fit on the #Raptors roster.
📺 https://t.co/cMxNUyleob / SN360 🟢 https://t.co/Z09PMv7ZgV 🍎 https://t.co/PCgf3oY0ky pic.twitter.com/82TSQQmyeg
— Sportsnet 590 The FAN (@FAN590) May 17, 2022
Boucher has been a great Raptor for a long time, but the time has come to move off of him. Getting Walker back in this hypothetical deal could set Toronto up for success in the near future.
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