The Boston Celtics are acquiring Xavier Tillman from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for two second round picks. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, “the Celtics are sending a 2027 second via Atlanta and a 2030 second via Dallas to the Grizzlies.”
Woj also reports Lamar Stevens is going back in the deal.
Karalis’ analysis:
Tillman is a good, solid pickup to bolster their frontcourt. He’s 6’8” but he can defend up a position if he needs to, so the Celtics can use him next to a center or as one in a small-ball lineup without sacrificing much. He brings a level of toughness to the team, which is always welcome.
This is exactly the kind of move Brad Stevens has been hinting at. Maybe he’s not exactly a big wing, per se, but he’s going to add value to the rotation without being too disruptive. Okay, maybe Oshae Brissett might have some beef, but the top seven or eight players aren’t being dislodged by this move.
Tillman can be helpful on back-to-backs, giving Boston a decent frontcourt option for when Al Horford or Kristaps Porzingis is out. He can set screens, rebound, block a shot or two, and even grab a steal here and there. He’s not going to wow anyone from 3-point land (he’s a career 26.4% shooter), but if he could hit from there, he wouldn’t be available for two second-round picks.
All in all, a good value trade that accomplishes the goals the team has publicly laid out. He’s going to be useful without being disruptive. He adds value where Boston can use some help. He might or might not play, which is kind of a role he’s used to. He’s dealing with a left knee issue right now, but that doesn’t appear to be a long-term thing.
The Celtics will still have the $6.2 million Grant Williams TPE to play with. They’ll maintain their open roster spot with this deal, so there could be more coming. I don’t anticipate anything big, though. If they can find another shooter out there somewhere, then great. If not, not a huge deal.
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