Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens stayed incredibly busy Thursday and executed his third and final trade of the day right at the 3 p.m. ET deadline buzzer.
The Celtics reportedly traded veteran Xavier Tillman Sr. to the Charlotte Hornets, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. It was not immediately reported what Boston got back in return. The Celtics also dealt reserves Josh Minott and Chris Boucher earlier in the day.
Getting underneath the luxury tax threshold seemed to be a clear motivator for Stevens and the Celtics on trade deadline day and appears to be the main reason in offloading Tillman to the Hornets. The Celtics got out of the luxury tax with this deal as the $2.7 million due to Tillman this season came off the books.
Tillman, who the Celtics acquired at the trade deadline from the Memphis Grizzlies two years ago, spent parts of three seasons with the Celtics but saw his role dramatically reduced this season. He played in only 14 games (one start) and averaged just 2.2 points and 1.8 rebounds, but was viewed as a veteran presence in the Celtics locker room.
Tillman probably is best remembered for the role he served on Boston’s championship-winning team in 2024. With Kristaps Porzingis sidelined for Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Mavericks, Tillman came off the bench and chipped in with three points, four rebounds and two blocks in 11 minutes.
The Celtics have a few open roster spots now after the trades of Tillman, Minott and Boucher. Amari Williams, who passed Tillman in the rotation, also had his two-way deal converted into a regular contract. The Celtics have a 14-day window to keep those spot open before having to fill at least two of them.
