The Memphis Grizzlies have traded heart Xavier Tillman to the Boston Celtics for 2 second-round picks because the Celtics search for extra front-court depth.
The Memphis Grizzlies are buying and selling F/C Xavier Tillman to the Boston Celtics for 2 second-round picks, sources inform ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 7, 2024
The Celtics are sending a 2027 second spherical decide by way of the Atlanta Hawks and a 2030 second spherical decide by way of the Dallas Mavericks. Lamar Stevens additionally heads over to the Grizzlies within the deal.
It is a actually good commerce for the Celtics as they don’t have a lot depth on the ahead positions. The Celtics have been trotting out Luke Kornet as their backup heart to Kristaps Porzingis. Tillman presents a a lot totally different skill-set than Kornet, nevertheless. His protection alone ought to be sufficient for him to usurp the backup heart spot.
Some Xavier Tillman protection. pic.twitter.com/5WK5jPHQzs
— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) February 7, 2024
Tillman has been a strong rotational massive man ever since he was drafted by the Sacramento Kings within the second spherical of the 2020 NBA Draft out of Michigan State. He got here onto the scene as a rotational participant fro the Memphis Grizzlies. He’s on an expiring contract and ought to be an excellent rental for the Celtics as they attempt to compete for a championship. Tillman has began some video games for the Grizzlies, however was fazed out of the rotation because of the emergence of Santi Aldama and GG Jackson. Tillman has been coping with a knee damage not too long ago, however that ought to not influence his contributions to the Celtics.
This season, Tillman was averaging 6.0 factors, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per sport. He’s additionally averaging a steal and a block an evening, so undoubtedly a defensive presence that the Celtics want for the bench. The Celtics might not be finished making strikes as theya re attempting to go all-in in what could possibly be an excellent window to compete for a championship. Now with the acquisition of Tillman, the Celtics now have a really deep entrance court docket with Jayson Tatum, Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis and now Xavier Tillman.