The Boston Celtics’ trade deadline transactions did not exactly light up the NBA, as they acquired Xavier Tillman and
Jaden Springer in exchange for Lamar Stevens, Dalano Banton, and three second-round draft picks. When you’ve
already gained two All-Stars in the last seven months, nobody jokes about pyrotechnics anymore. The Celtics merely
needed to make some roster adjustments, which they accomplished.
In doing so, the front office has increased flexibility for the short, medium, and long term.
The primary attention, as it should be for a top-tier title challenger, is on what these new players can accomplish this
season. Tillman provides Joe Mazzulla with a different sort of center and a solid defensive alternative that was
absent after Grant Williams left for Dallas (temporarily). Springer is a defensive live wire and a better guard defender
than the others on the bench. Previously, Oshae Brissett, Stevens, and Banton were stronger at guarding wings than
quick ball handlers or movement shooters.
Tillman is sure to play some role this year, while Springer is unlikely to, and neither may have a significant impact.
However, the probability that they do is still worth the investment, but they are players who provide Mazzulla with
options when attempting to answer issues; they are not answers in themselves.
It’s also worth considering what these choices represent beyond the season. Tillman will be an unrestricted free
agent with full Bird Rights from Memphis. Springer had his fourth-year option picked up in October, so he is
guaranteed $4 million next season and is eligible for an extension this offseason. Normally, players in Springer’s
predicted wage level do not sign rookie extensions. Payton Pritchard did last offseason, and if no agreement is
reached, Springer could become a restricted free agency the next year.
