Chris Boucher Signs With Shanghai Sharks
The Canadian forward joins the Chinese Basketball Association club, taking the roster spot vacated by Javale McGee.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Basketball
The Shanghai Sharks have signed Canadian basketball player Chris Boucher, according to the Chinese Basketball Association. Boucher takes the place of Javale McGee on the roster.
Why it matters
The signing adds a veteran international forward to a Sharks lineup that already includes imports D'Angelo Russell and Brandon Goodwin. It also marks a move for Boucher after a limited role with the Boston Celtics last season.
Boucher averaged 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per game across 406 games with the Toronto Raptors, but only 2.3 points in nine games with Boston last season. He finished eighth in Sixth Man of the Year voting in 2021.
The players
Chris Boucher
Canadian forward from Montreal who has won two NBA championships and previously played seven seasons with the Toronto Raptors.
Shanghai Sharks
Professional basketball club based in Shanghai that competes in the Chinese Basketball Association.
Chinese Basketball Association
The top professional basketball league in China, which announced the signing.
Javale McGee
Former NBA center whose roster spot on the Sharks Boucher is taking.
The details
Boucher, a 33-year-old Montreal native, won championships with the Golden State Warriors in 2018 and the Toronto Raptors in 2019 before his stint in Boston. The Sharks signed him as they continue to build their import group in Shanghai.
Timeline
2018: Boucher wins a championship with the Golden State Warriors.
2019: Boucher wins a championship with the Toronto Raptors.
2021: Boucher finishes eighth in Sixth Man of the Year voting.
Last season: Boucher plays nine games with the Boston Celtics.
Tuesday, November 4, 2026: The Shanghai Sharks announce the signing.
Season Trajectory
The move follows the established pattern of veteran NBA players, such as Boucher, filling import roster spots in the Chinese Basketball Association. It positions the Sharks to compete with a deeper import group as the season progresses.
Boucher's signing gives Shanghai another experienced big man for CBA play, which may affect rotation minutes among the Sharks' imports. Fantasy managers following international leagues may want to track how his playing time develops.
The takeaway
Veteran NBA players continue to find roles in international leagues when their opportunities in the United States narrow. Boucher's move shows how that pathway works for players returning from limited NBA minutes.
Further reading
For more on the international game, see our Basketball coverage.
