The Boston Celtics were active once again at the trade deadline for the third straight season under GM Brad Stevens.

The Celtics acquired Xavier Tillman from the Memphis Grizzlies and Jaden Springer from the Philadelphia 76ers at the total cost of three second round picks and Lamar Stevens. It also sent Dalano Banton to Portland and still leaves a roster spot open.

Both of Tillman and Springer are still on their rookie contracts with Tillman being in the last year of his and set for unrestricted free agency while Springer inked through 2025 when he’ll enter restricted free agency.

A few weeks ago during Stevens’ last media session regarding the trade deadline plans, he mentioned that he wanted to add a “big wing” but he also said he was looking into guys who have smaller level contracts but teams aren’t “excited to move on from yet.”

Tillman and Springer are both defensive studs and are young enough where Boston could see a possible long term future with them beyond this season, as Stevens said they’ve both been on his radar since they’re draft class and they now own both of their bird rights.

Stevens expresses during a post trade deadline media session that he can use the trade deadline as a tool to add players in a different way due to the limited ways the second apron allows teams like the Celtics.

“Most of the time when I think you’re in a position like we are, or some of the other teams that have been playing well throughout the year, and with these different basketball penalties with the second apron, there’s not much that you can do. For us, it’s about how do we balance fortifying ourselves this year to give ourselves our best chance this year and also give ourselves options moving into the future because we’re going to be limited in what we can do.”

The additions of Tillman and Springer is exactly what Stevens was looking for ahead of the deadline.

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