Boston Celtics Acquire Xavier Tillman from Memphis Grizzlies in Trade Deal

In a significant move ahead of the NBA trade deadline, the Boston Celtics have bolstered their roster by acquiring forward Xavier Tillman from the Memphis Grizzlies. According to reports from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer, the Celtics have traded two second-round picks to secure Tillman’s services.

The Grizzlies will receive a 2027 second-round pick from the Atlanta Hawks and another in 2030 from the Dallas Mavericks as part of the deal. Additionally, fourth-year power forward Lamar Stevens will join Memphis, providing further depth to their lineup.

Tillman, a fourth-year player out of Michigan State, adds a defensive presence to the Celtics’ frontcourt. While not known for his scoring ability, Tillman has showcased his value with solid defensive contributions during his time with the Grizzlies.

Despite dealing with a left knee injury that has kept him sidelined for approximately a month, Tillman’s addition provides the Celtics with another option in the frontcourt rotation alongside Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet.

The 25-year-old Tillman, selected by Memphis with the 35th pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, brings versatility and playoff experience to Boston’s roster as they gear up for a potential title run.

As part of their roster adjustments, the Grizzlies recently traded center Steven Adams to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Victor Oladipo and multiple draft picks, signaling a shift in their roster composition as they look towards the future.

With Tillman’s departure, the Grizzlies continue to navigate the Western Conference standings, currently sitting 13th with an 18-33 record. Despite the challenges, Memphis remains focused on building for the future while Boston aims to strengthen their roster for postseason contention.