Boston Celtics center Al Horford. Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

The Celtics now have a complete center rotation

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 2/7/24

The Boston Celtics are adding Xavier Tillman to their rotation. They will be acquiring the 6-foot-8 big man from the Memphis Grizzlies via trade.

The finer details of the deal are still being worked out. Boston will be sending two future second-round draft picks as part of the deal. Tillman is in the final year of his contract and will become an unrestricted free agent in the summer. Boston gets his Bird rights as part of the deal.

Tillman will enter the Boston roster as the fourth big man under contract. He will likely be duking it out with Luke Kornet for consistent minutes within Joe Mazzulla's rotation.

What's most important in this deal is that it gives Boston a different skill set at the center position. Tillman is a physical presence who can also operate on the perimeter and in the midrange. He will bring physicality and toughness to the team.

The Memphis Grizzlies are trading F/C Xavier Tillman to the Boston Celtics for two second-round picks, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 7, 2024

Throughout the season, the Celtics have implemented a strict rest protocol with Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford.

Porzingis sits the first night of a back-to-back, and Horford sits the second. Tillman's presence will ensure the Celtics aren't short-handed at the center position when the protocol is being implemented for the rest of the season.

However, his addition does create a roadblock for impressive two-way big man Neemias Queta, who has quickly become a fan favorite.

Nevertheless, the Celtics are a contending team. They've made a move that gives them additional depth and provides a new dimension to their roster. Suddenly, the injury risk of Porzingis and Horford's advancing age is less of a concern for the fan base and likely for the coaching staff.

Interestingly, Boston could potentially be sending a player back to Memphis (most likely Lamar Stevens) as part of the deal. If that does happen, they will still have an open roster spot.

As such, there may be another move for the Celtics before the 3 p.m. ET Feb. 8 trade deadline. That move would likely be for an additional guard or wing.

After an active end to the offseason, Boston continues to make moves. The hope is that all of those moves lead to a championship. Right now, they're on the right track.

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