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1h ago

Celtics Send Xavier Tillman and $3.5 Million to Hornets to Get Below Luxury Tax

The move leaves Boston about $842,000 under the tax threshold with multiple roster slots to fill.

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Boston Celtics guard Ron Harper Jr. (13) dribbles the ball as Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) defends during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Boston Celtics forward Xavier Tillman (26) goes to the basket against Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren during the first half of an NBA game Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
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Overview

  • Shams Charania reported that Boston traded Xavier Tillman Sr. and $3.5 million in cash to Charlotte with no player returning.
  • The deal drops the Celtics just under the luxury tax by roughly $842,000 after their Amari Williams promotion, per Yossi Gozlan of The Third Apron.
  • Boston now has 12 players on standard contracts and three open roster spots, with league rules allowing a short window below the 14-player minimum.
  • Charlotte absorbs Tillman’s $2.55 million expiring contract and receives cash that more than covers his remaining salary while staying comfortably under the tax.
  • The transaction caps a deadline stretch that moved Anfernee Simons, Josh Minott and Chris Boucher out and brought in Nikola Vucevic, positioning Boston to target buyout-market additions.