Feb. 07, 2024 20:08 PM EST

Celtics Acquire Xavier Tillman From Grizzlies For Lamar Stevens, Pair Of 2Nd-Round Picks

By KYLE HIGHTOWER
AP Sports Writer
Memphis Grizzlies forward Xavier Tillman (2) passes the ball under defensive pressure from Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis, left, in the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Jan. 29, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Nikki Boertman) Nikki Boertman, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Memphis Grizzlies forward Xavier Tillman (2) passes the ball under defensive pressure from Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis, left, in the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Jan. 29, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Nikki Boertman)
Boston Celtics forward Lamar Stevens (77) drives past Memphis Grizzlies forward Tosan Evbuomwan, right, in the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
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BOSTON (AP) — The NBA-leading Boston Celtics added some depth at center on Wednesday, acquiring big man Xavier Tillman from the Grizzlies in exchange for forward Lamar Stevens and two future second-round draft picks.

With the deal Boston adds some depth in the frontcourt behind 7-footer Kristaps Porzingis, who has struggled with durability, and 37-year-old veteran Al Horford.

The 6-foot-8 Tillman has appeared in 34 games for Memphis this season, averaging six points, 4.6 rebounds and a career-best 1.7 assists while shooting 40.8% from the field. The fourth-year player is also averaging a career-high one block and 1.2 steals per game, making him one of only 14 players in the NBA averaging a block and steal per game.

Stevens logged 19 games for Boston this season and averaged 2.8 points and 1.6 rebounds in 6.4 minutes per game.

The Celtics entered Wednesday with a 38-12 record.

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