Xavier Tillman Signs With Turkish Team

Tillman, 27, was drafted with the 35th overall pick in 2020 and spent his first three-and-a-half NBA seasons with the Grizzlies before being dealt to Boston at the 2024 trade deadline. He re-signed with the Celtics later that year and remained with the team until he was traded to Charlotte earlier this year in a cost-cutting move for a Boston team looking to duck the tax line.

While Tillman was a regular rotation player in Memphis, he has seen his playing time dwindle in recent years. In 2025/26, he averaged just 6.1 minutes per game in 30 total appearances for the Celtics and Hornets, contributing 1.5 points and 1.4 rebounds per night.

Tillman will be joining a Trabzonspor squad that posted a 19-11 record in the Turkish League (Basketbol Süper Ligi) this past season and is looking to take another step forward in 2026/27. He’s one a handful of NBA veterans who have joined the team this month — Trabzonspor also recently announced the additions of guard Shaquille Harrison and forward Emanuel Terry (Twitter links).

In addition to competing domestically, Trabzonspor has also qualified for the 2026/27 Basketball Champions League.