Celtics Acquire Xavier Tillman Sr. in Trade With Grizzlies, per Report

Boston fortified its frontcourt in a deal with Memphis ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline.

The Boston Celtics made a frontcourt acquisition prior to Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, landing forward Xavier Tillman Sr. in a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday afternoon, according to multiple reports.

In exchange for Tillman, the Celtics will be sending the Grizzlies a 2027 second round pick via the Atlanta Hawks as well as a 2030 second round pick via the Dallas Mavericks, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. 

[NBA Trade Deadline Tracker: Stay on on top of the latest moves]

Boston (38-12) holds a five-game lead in the Eastern Conference over the No. 2 seed Cleveland Cavaliers, and are the owners of the NBA’s best record. 

Tillman figures to join a frontcourt consisting of Kristaps Porzingis, Jayson Tatum, Al Horford, Luke Kornet, Neemias Queta and Oshae Brissett.

Tillman, 25, has spent the past four seasons in Memphis, featuring in a total of 207 games and averaging 6.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.0 block per game. In 2023-24, he’s made 36 appearances and posted similar numbers to his career averages, though his shooting percentage has dipped from last season’s mark of 61.4% all the way down to 40.8%.

The former Michigan State Spartans standout figures to provide some quality bench minutes for the Celtics as they look to fortify the roster ahead of a postseason run.