Xavier Tillman contributed an average of 6.0 points and 4.6 rebounds to the Grizzlies this season.
The Boston Celtics have recently enhanced their frontcourt depth in preparation for their upcoming playoff campaign. The Celtics have acquired the talented Xavier Tillman from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for a second-round pick in 2027 and a second-round pick in 2030 as announced by sources. The deal also includes Lamar Stevens from the Celtics moving to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Celtics’ acquisitions include:
Moving to the Grizzlies:
- Lamar Stevens
- 2027 second-round pick (via Hawks)
- 2030 second-round pick (via Mavs)
The meaning behind this trade: Boston currently holds the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference and has done so for several months. However, as the playoffs approach, it aims to fortify and expand its frontcourt rotation to potentially compete with tough opponents like the Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, and other East contenders.
With the acquisition of Tillman, the Celtics have added a tenacious big man who is experiencing a consistently solid season (6.0 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.7 apg) for the injury-plagued Grizzlies. Boston is already the No. 1 rebounding team in the league (47.5 rpg), and Tillman’s arrival should further enhance that aspect. There are some concerns about his shooting skill (40.8% overall, 22.6% on 3-pointers), but he has been forced into a significant role for Memphis this season.
Last season, playing a pivotal role in Memphis’ 51-win team, Tillman achieved career highs in scoring and rebounding (7.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg) and shot 61.4% overall. He improved these numbers to 8.7 ppg, 8.0 rpg, and 3.2 apg while shooting 53.3% in the 2023 playoffs.
Stevens has only played occasionally for the Celtics this season, with averages of 2.8 ppg and 1.6 rpg in 6.4 mpg, appearing in a total of 19 games. Prior to joining Boston this season, he spent three seasons with the Cavaliers and was regularly part of Cleveland’s rotation during that span.
