Xavier Tillman trade accomplishes seemingly impossible goal for Celtics

Dec 11, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Boston Celtics center Xavier Tillman (26) warms up before the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images | Benny Sieu-Imagn ImagesIn the aftermath of the horrifying events that took place during last season’s playoffs, the Celtics were faced with two options; stay the course, try to contend, pay massive luxury tax penalties, and hinder the roster for the future, or take a “gap year”, sell off enough assets to get under the tax, and reset the roster to make another huge run in a year or two.

But somehow, Brad Stevens and his front office have masterfully found a way to split the difference and seemingly…