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Undrafted Big Man Linked to 76ers After Losing French Forward: Insider

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Jul 5, 2025 8:00 AM ET

Seems like the Philadelphia 76ers are determined to stay committed to their star trio of Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey. The 76ers have made significant moves to help the Big 3 contend in the Eastern Conference. It's expected that the East will be open for any contending team during the 2025-26 NBA season.

Philly has surrounded their start players with veteran and young players. The 76ers used their No. 3 pick to draft VJ Edgecombe, adding youth to their backcourt of Jared McCain and Maxey. Longtime NBA guard Eric Gordon also returned to the team on a one-year deal.

However, they didn't bring back French forward Guershon Yabusele. The 6-foot-8 big man was a fan favorite last season. Unfortunately for Yabusele, he thought he received a lowball offer from the organization and signed a two-year, $11.7 million contract with the New York Knicks.

To make up for the loss of Yabusele, ESPN's Kevin Pelton linked Chris Boucher, the undrafted forward Oregon as someone who could fit with the 76ers. Pelton pointed out that Boucher's outside shooting is something that could be useful for Nick Nurse's system.

"Boucher's shooting makes him another logical fit for the Warriors, with whom he started his career as an undrafted free agent before landing in Toronto. I also like Boucher's fit with the Philadelphia 76ers, who could use a shooter with size after losing Guerschon Yabusele to the New York Knicks," Pelton wrote.

The big man remains an unrestricted free agent, after his three-year, $35.2 million contract expired with his longtime team, the Toronto Raptors. The Raptors' move to sign forward Sandro Mamukelashvili this offseason indicates that Boucher might not have room in the roster.

Last season, the 6-foot-9 forward appeared in 50 games, averaging 10 points and 4.5 rebounds on 36.3% shooting from downtown.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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