Even though the Utah Jazz acquired Jaren Jackson Jr. two days ago, it should come as no surprise that they don't intend to add any more legitimate win-now talent. That was signaled yesterday when they acquired Lonzo Ball, whom they intend to waive.
It's in the Jazz's best interest to lose games from here on out, so it's not surprising if they add players who won't change their current landscape much. So while it's not surprising that they acquired someone like Chris Boucher, who should get a flyer but hasn't really shown much, some fans may roll their eyes at the fact that they just did the Boston Celtics another favor.
The Boston Celtics are trading Chris Boucher to the Utah Jazz, sources tell ESPN.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 5, 2026
Danny Ainge used to call the shots in the Celtics' front office before leaving in 2021. Austin Ainge was a big part of Boston's front office before departing for Utah last year. It comes as no surprise that, since then, the Jazz and the Celtics have become trade partners, with the Jazz helping the Celtics accomplish their goals.
Why did the Celtics do this? Because dumping Boucher gets them closer to shedding tax money, which is what they want to do to prep for this coming offseason. Why did the Jazz do this? Um... because they could?
It wouldn't be a big deal if Utah hadn't bailed out Boston several months beforehand when they agreed to take Georges Niang off their hands last summer. Before this happened, Boston was just barely under the NBA's second tax apron, so getting Niang out of town went a long way in giving the Celtics some badly-needed cap relief.
Utah got some second-round picks for their troubles, but it's not like those are the most valuable assets.
It's not hurting the Jazz, but it's hard not to notice the connection here
It's not like this is some major setback for the Jazz because it isn't. Boucher was in the doghouse with the Celtics and may or may not get a chance to revive his career with the Jazz. He isn't a long-term money player, so Utah can wistfully waive him or let him expire. A deal like this doesn't shoot them in the foot.
This won't hurt the Jazz in any way, shape, or form, but it's hard not to put two and two together about why they just keep trading with the Celtics of all teams. It would shock absolutely no one if this isn't the last trade between the Ainges and Stevens.
Okay, there's no justifiable reason to mope here. If anything, here's to hoping that in the not-too-distant future, Boston will return the favor to Utah once they start winning again.