Celtics Complete Big Trade for Grizzlies Forward With an Eye Toward Playoffs
The Celtics bolstered their frontcourt Wednesday with the acquisition of Grizzlies forward Xavier Tillman.
By Jovan Alford
With 24 hours until Thursday afternoon’s NBA trade deadline, the Boston Celtics did not waste any time upgrading their roster as they look to compete for an NBA title.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Wednesday that the Memphis Grizzlies are trading forward Xavier Tillman to the Boston Celtics for two second-round picks. Boston is sending a 2027 second-round pick via Atlanta and a 2030 second-round pick to the Grizzlies, who are in the middle of an injury-riddled season.
The Celtics are sending a 2027 second via Atlanta and a 2030 second via Dallas to the Grizzlies, sources tell ESPN. Boston gets Tillman, a young, versatile frontcourt player who gives them some depth for a championship run. https://t.co/29KABsBums
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 7, 2024
The 25-year-old power forward has struggled offensively this season with the Grizz, as Memphis has leaned on him more than usual because of the number of injuries on the roster.
The 6-foot-8 power forward averaged 6.0 points and 4.6 rebounds in 20.6 minutes per game this season (34 games with Memphis). He also shot 40.8% from the field and 46.9% on two-pointers.
For his career, Tillman is scoring 6.2 points per game on 52.2% from the field and averaging 4.3 rebounds per game.
Tillman won’t be asked to do a ton for the Celtics, who already have Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford in the frontcourt. However, he will give them another rebounder, as Boston is one of the best rebounding teams in the NBA (55.3 total rebounds per game).
After the move, Boston are now +275 favorites to win the NBA Championship. No other team has odds better than +400, but that can obviously shift quickly if anyone else makes a trade deadline splash.
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