The Boston Celtics acquired Memphis Grizzlies big man Xavier Tillman in a trade one day prior to the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline, as reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. In exchange for Tillman, the Celtics sent the Atlanta Hawks a 2027 second-round selection and the Dallas Mavericks a 2030 second-round pick. Lamar Stevens, another forward, is being sent by the Celtics to the Grizzlies as well.
There were rumors earlier this week that the Celtics were considering big men like Andre Drummond and Kelly Olynyk. The Tillman trade is currently expected to compel the Celtics to withdraw from those sweepstakes, though that is not confirmed.
The Celtics “had been the team most connected to,” according to Jake Fischer, the 25-year-old big man. Tillman’s rookie deal with the Grizzlies will conclude at the end of the current campaign, after four seasons with the team. This probably had a big impact on Memphis’ choice to trade him. Tillman is averaging 4.6 rebounds and 6 points per game this season. The large guy is also shooting 40.8% from the field, which includes 22.6% from three-point range.
Tillman is expected to support Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis as insurance. It remains to be seen if Tillman will move up in the 38-12 Celtics rotation above Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta.
With his 6’8″ frame, Tillman is a much better fit as a power forward even though he can play center very well. Tillman is a tough and determined player, though, and the Celtics have always valued that. Tillman also does a nice job of rebounding, although he is not very effective at getting boards. Having stated that, Tillman is most useful when playing defense.
Tillman is a flexible defender who can play some perimeter and in-game defense. His style of play should fit in well with that of Horford and Porzingis, two of the Celtics’ more perimeter-focused players.
The Final Word on the Trade of Xavier Tillman
In light of the Celtics’ constrained cap space and trade assets, this feels like a great move for the organization. Tillman’s acquisition improves their already superior defense. If the organization decides to keep Tillman after this season, his age of 25 still allows him to fit into their schedule. The Celtics appear to be making a very low-risk, high-reward trade in this transaction.
Leave a Reply