Report: Celtics Re-sign Big Man Xavier Tillman originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Brad Stevens and the Boston Celtics are bringing back nearly everyone who played a role in the 2024 NBA championship race.
Xavier Tillman is reportedly the latest player to re-sign with the C’s. The 25-year-old big man is returning to Boston on a two-year deal, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
The Celtics initially acquired Tillman from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for two future second-round picks prior to the 2024 trade deadline. He averaged 5.3 points and 3.9 rebounds in 54 games played between Memphis and Boston during the regular season.
In the playoffs, Tillman provided the Celtics with much-needed frontcourt depth while Kristaps Porzingis was out with an injury. He shined in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, grabbing four rebounds and two blocks, and making a 3-pointer that sent the TD Garden crowd into raptures.
Tillman remains a key part of Boston’s frontcourt, as Porzingis is expected to be out until November or December and 38-year-old Al Horford needs rest. The Celtics also reportedly exercised sharpshooter Sam Hauser’s team option on Saturday, retained big men Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta shortly after the free agency opened on Sunday, then signed stars Jayson Tatum and Derrick White to lucrative contract extensions on Monday.
Oshae Brissett, Svi Mykhailiuk, JD Davison and Drew Peterson (restricted) are the Celtics’ only remaining free agents.
