TRADE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Tillman thanks-Memphis and its fans following his move to Boston

In the last 24 hours before the trade deadline, there were several moves made around the NBA. The transaction that saw the Boston Celtics acquire center Xavier Tillman from the Memphis Grizzlies may have been missed in the

In exchange for the 25-year-old Tillman, the Grizzlies acquired two second-round selections on Wednesday, helping the Celtics bolster their frontcourt depth. Tillman addressed Memphis and Grizzlies supporters in a message before to his Boston debut on Friday.

“I’m grateful, Memphis! I’ve made some pals for life thanks to you! You’ve demonstrated to me what it is to be proud of the city you represent! You shown unconditional affection for me! “I will always be grateful for being a member of the Memphis Grizzlies,” Tillman said to Instagram.

Tillman was chosen by the Grizzlies in the first round of the 2020 NBA Draft, out of Michigan State. During his four years with Memphis, he was a reliable member of the starting lineup, averaging 17.7 minutes per game in 207 games. Of those, 56 were starts for him.

Tillman has had knee issues this season, which has kept him out of the game since January 29. He’s averaged 6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game in 34 games overall, 13 of which he started.

Free agent audition or something more?

Xavier Tillman is highly regarded for his defensive presence and tremendous motor, despite his lackluster counting stats. A handful of his postseason exploits from the previous season attracted the attention of NBA executives and fans alike.

In the Grizzlies’ opening-round defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers, Tillman started all six games; however, he had a particularly strong performance in Game 2. In that game, Tillman recorded his first-ever postseason double-double with 13 rebounds and 22 points. In the fourth game of the series, he scored 12 points and pulled down 8 rebounds, but only managed to score 36 percent of the time from the field in the remaining four games.

Tillman’s contract is about to expire, so if he wants to stay with the Celtics, he might have to perform well in the postseason once again. Though he’s proven he’s deserving of a multiyear contract as a free agent, he should receive some offers this summer, whether or not they come from Boston.