The Celtics have acquired Xavier Tillman from the Grizzlies in exchange for draft picks.
On Wednesday, the Celtics announced the acquisition of Xavier Tillman from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for two future second-round draft picks, bolstering Boston’s frontcourt depth as they head into the final stretch of the season.
As part of the deal, Memphis will receive the Atlanta Hawks’ 2027 second-round pick and the Dallas Mavericks’ 2030 second-round selection, according to sources familiar with the matter as reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Additionally, forward Lamar Stevens is also headed to Memphis.
Tillman, 25, has been averaging 6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game for Memphis this season over 34 appearances. Despite facing challenges with his shooting, with a field goal percentage of 40.8% and a 3-point percentage of 22.6%, he has demonstrated solid defensive skills with 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks per game in 20 minutes of play.
Standing at 6-foot-7, Tillman will provide support to coach Joe Mazzulla’s rotation alongside Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet, fortifying Boston’s interior defense.
This move by the Celtics resembles a similar strategy from last season when they acquired Mike Muscala from the Oklahoma City Thunder before the trade deadline.
For Memphis, this trade signifies another step in accumulating future assets as they look towards the upcoming seasons, following the recent trade of center Steven Adams to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Victor Oladipo and three second-round picks.
Stevens, 26, joined Boston in the offseason after spending three seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers, averaging 2.8 points across 19 games for the Celtics.
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