Raptors re-sign Boucher, Young to multi-year deals: reports

According to reports, the Toronto Raptors have signed Chris Boucher, a Canadian free agent.

ESPN first reported that the Raptors had reached an agreement with the Montreal centre at six feet nine for a three-year contract worth $35.25 Million US.

This was just after the NBA free agency opened at six p.m. ET on Thursday.

Boucher averaged 9.4 and 6.2 rebounds per match last season. He also scored 11.2 points in six playoff games against Philadelphia 76ers.

Boucher had previously played one game for the Golden State Warriors and signed with the Raptors prior to the 2018-19 season. The Canadian player spent most of his time in Toronto with Raptors 905 during his first year. He was named the G League MVP and top defensive player.

Three years later, he re-signed with the Raptors on a two-year deal worth $13.5 million — the richest contract in NBA history by an undrafted Canadian player.

The Raptors are also expected to bring back veteran forward Thaddeus Jung, who has agreed to a $16 million two-year deal with them.

Young averaged 6.3 points and 4.4 rebound in 26 games for Raptors.

He was purchased on February trade deadline as part of a package which included Goran Dragic, the Raptors’ first round pick, and the disgruntled Drew Eubanks in exchange for San Antonio’s second round pick and the since-waived Drew Eubanks.

OKC gives $87.5 million to Canada’s Dort

The NBA generated more income from basketball than ever in the past season, with the total amount coming in just short of $9Billion.

Business is great. The first night free agency demonstrated how good.

Bradley Beal, Nikola Jokic, and Bradley Beal quickly agreed to deals worth more than a quarter billion dollars by the time they expire. This is a highlight of the moves made Thursday during the NBA’s annual free-agent negotiation window.

Jokic accepted a supermax extension to continue with the Denver Nuggets. The two-time reigning MVP will receive $264 million over five seasons, starting with the 2023-24 season. The league’s salary cap going into the 23-24 season, and if it exceeds current projections, could affect the final number.

After signing with Washington, Beal will make $251million over the next five years. He did so after turning down $37million for the season with Washington.

Supermax deals for Minnesota’s Karl Anthony Towns or Phoenix’s Devin Booker could also be extended soon. Then there are the rookie extensions, which can begin Friday. They include Ja Morant from Memphis, Tyler Herro from Miami, and Zion Williamson of New Orleans.

All of those moves, even the most expensive, were overshadowed earlier Thursday by some non-free agent news. According to someone with direct knowledge of the situation Kevin Durant told the Brooklyn Nets he wanted a deal. That undoubtedly had an impact on some of the teams’ decisions, or were considering. Then came the surprising news that one of the most elite players in the world is looking for a new home.

Jokic, Beal and others have already signed lucrative contracts. For others, this summer’s contracts will be their first.

Anfernee Simons, who had a breakout season for the injury-plagued Portland Trail Blazers last year — taking advantage of his opportunity, and then some — agreed to a four-year, $100 million contract to remain with that club. Lu Dort, who was undrafted three years back and made approximately $4 million in his three seasons with Oklahoma City will remain with the Thunder for five years on a deal that is worth almost $88 million.

P.J. Tucker is reuniting with Philadelphia general manager Daryl Morey and — assuming he re-signs, as planned — James Harden as well. Tucker signed a $33 million, three-year contract with the 76ers on Thursday. Harden, Tucker, and Morey were accompanied by the Houston Rockets. Harden declared free agency Wednesday with plans to return to Philadelphia. Tucker won a title with Milwaukee 2021 and helped Miami to reach the Eastern Conference finals of 2022.

Bobby Portis (4 years, $49 Million) is back in Milwaukee. Joe Ingles, a veteran guard, is also returning. According to Renae Ingles’ wife, Ingles has signed a one year deal. Renae Ingles tweeted that Renae Ingles was thrilled for Joe and their families.