Report: Celtics' Xavier Tillman traded to Hornets in buzzer-beater

Field Level Media|published: Thu 5th February, 19:06 2026

Oct 24, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Boston Celtics forward Xavier Tillman (26) warms up before the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The Boston Celtics traded forward Xavier Tillman Sr. and cash considerations to the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday, ESPN reported, moments before the NBA trade deadline passed for good.

The Hornets acquired Tillman and $3.5 million in cash considerations, pulling Boston away from the luxury tax, similar to the deal that brought guard Tyus Jones in and out of Charlotte from Orlando on Wednesday.

Tillman had been seeing declining minutes since his championship-winning stint with the Celtics in 2024, seeing more than 15 minutes on the floor just five times. Through the 2025-26 season, Tillman averaged 2.2 points and 1.8 rebounds per game in 14 appearances.

Tillman was drafted by the Sacramento Kings in the second round of the 2020 NBA Draft, but was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies on draft day. Tillman played three full seasons in Memphis, along with one full season in Boston.

--Field Level Media

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