The Boston Celtics currently own the best record in the NBA at 38-12. They have been cruising throughout the 2023-24 regular season to this point, but even the best teams are looking to improve in any way possible.
Seeing an opportunity to upgrade their frontcourt, the Celtics jumped at it. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Boston is acquiring big man Xavier Tillman Sr. from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for two future second-round picks. The picks will be via the Atlanta Hawks in 2027 and the Dallas Mavericks in 2030, per Wojnarowski.
Tillman is a quality addition to the Celtics’ frontcourt as he plays out the final season of his rookie contract. A second-round pick in 2020, No. 35 overall out of Michigan State, he provides Boston with some versatility in their frontcourt.
Capable of playing either power forward or center, Joe Mazzulla now has another piece to the puzzle for his rotation of big men. Given the age of Al Horford and how injury-prone Kristaps Porzingis has been in his career, it made sense for the Celtics to target someone such as Tillman.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Xavier Tillman, 2024 NBA Trade Deadline, Memphis Grizzlies, Boston Celtics Updates
Boston was likely able to get him on the cheap, as well, as he has struggled in some regards this offseason. Given the insane amount of injuries the Grizzlies have dealt with, Tillman was pushed into a larger-than-anticipated role, which negatively impacted his percentages.
Averaging a career-high 20.6 minutes per game, he is making only 40.8 percent of his shot attempts, 22.6 percent of his 3-pointers and a ghastly 41.9 percent from the foul line. Those numbers should improve with a strong supporting cast around him with the Celtics.
From the Grizzlies’ perspective, this is a good deal. In the midst of a lost season because of the injuries they are enduring, they flipped someone likely not in their long-term plans for two future draft picks.
In an expected rebuilding season that will result in a lottery pick, expect the Grizzlies to canvas the league for more future draft compensation. They are surprise sellers and will look to capitalize on the opportunity in any way possible.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
Interested in reading the latest storylines and analysis in the NFL? Check out our partner NFL Analysis Network.
