On Wednesday, sources informed ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that the Boston Celtics have secured Xavier Tillman from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for two second-round picks. This move bolsters Boston’s frontcourt depth as they gear up for the crucial stretch ahead. As part of the deal, Memphis will receive the Atlanta Hawks’ 2027 second-round pick, the Dallas Mavericks’ 2030 second-round selection, and forward Lamar Stevens, according to sources.
At 25 years old, Tillman brings an average of 6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game for Memphis this season, having appeared in 34 games. Despite facing challenges with his shooting, reflected in his 40.8% field goal percentage and 22.6% from beyond the arc, Tillman shines as a defensive force inside, tallying 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks per game in just 20 minutes of play. In Boston, he will complement coach Joe Mazzulla’s lineup alongside Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet, fortifying the Celtics’ defensive core.
This move mirrors a strategy employed by the Celtics last season when they acquired Mike Muscala from the Oklahoma City Thunder during the trade deadline.
For Memphis, this trade signifies another step in acquiring future assets as they look towards the upcoming season. It follows their recent trade of center Steven Adams to the Houston Rockets for Victor Oladipo and three second-round picks.
Meanwhile, Lamar Stevens, aged 26, joined Boston in the offseason after a three-season stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite his contributions, averaging 2.8 points in 19 games for the Celtics, Stevens is now part of the trade package.