The Boston Celtics have acquired Xavier Tillman from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for two future second-round picks. This will provide Boston with more depth at centre ahead of the final phase of the season.
The Grizzlies will receive the Atlanta Hawks’ 2027 second-round pick and the Dallas Mavericks’ 2030 second-round pick as part of the deal, according to sources at Adrian Wojnarowski, along with wing Lamar Stevens.
Tillman, 25, is averaging six points and 4.6 rebounds in 34 games with Memphis this season. Although he has struggled with shooting, registering a 40.8 per cent from the field – including a 22.6 per cent percentage from three – he is a strong defensive presence inside, averaging 1.2 rebounds and 1.0 stoppage in 20 minutes.
Tillman will serve as a complementary option for coach Joe Mazzulla alongside Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford and Luke Kornet at the centre of Boston’s defence.
The Celtics made a similar move last season when they acquired Mike Muscala from the Oklahoma City Thunder before the deadline.
For a Memphis team looking ahead to next season, it marks another step to reclaim future assets after trading another centre, Steven Adams, to the Houston Rockets for Victor Oladipo and three second-round picks last week.
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