Boston Celtics Acquire Xavier Tillman in Trade with Memphis Grizzlies

In a move aimed at bolstering their frontcourt depth for the impending playoff push, the Boston Celtics have finalized a trade agreement with the Memphis Grizzlies. The Celtics are set to acquire big man Xavier Tillman in exchange for a package that includes two future second-round draft picks and forward Lamar Stevens.

The trade details are as follows:

Celtics Receive:

Xavier Tillman

Grizzlies Receive:

Lamar Stevens2027 second-round pick (via Hawks)2030 second-round pick (via Mavs)

For Boston, the addition of Tillman represents a strategic move to fortify their frontcourt rotation in preparation for potential matchups against formidable Eastern Conference contenders such as the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers. Tillman, known for his rugged style of play, brings a valuable blend of rebounding prowess and defensive tenacity to the Celtics lineup.

Despite Tillman’s modest statistical output this season with the injury-plagued Grizzlies, averaging 6.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, his impact extends beyond the box score. Notably, his addition is expected to enhance Boston’s already formidable rebounding prowess, with the team ranking as the top rebounding squad in the league.

While Tillman’s shooting efficiency may raise some concerns, particularly his subpar three-point shooting percentage, his prior performance during the Grizzlies’ successful playoff run in 2023 highlights his potential to thrive in high-pressure situations. During that postseason campaign, Tillman elevated his game, posting impressive averages of 8.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game while shooting over 53% from the field.

In exchange for Tillman, the Grizzlies receive Lamar Stevens, a forward who has seen limited playing time with the Celtics this season. Stevens’ tenure with Boston has been characterized by sporadic appearances, averaging 2.8 points and 1.6 rebounds in just over six minutes per game across 19 appearances. Prior to joining the Celtics, Stevens garnered experience as a rotation player with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

As the Celtics gear up for the postseason, the acquisition of Xavier Tillman underscores their commitment to fortifying their roster for a deep playoff run, while the Grizzlies add depth and future assets to further bolster their lineup for sustained success.