As others have said, a nice little theft by Brad.
EDIT: Probably not actually a theft. Tillman will be due a sizable raise and will also be more valuable to a team like the Celtics. So let’s call it a nice little identification of value by Brad.
I want to pile on because Brad is doing
1970s Lufthansa-style work here.
A year ago the Center/5 was a position of concern with little depth. Celtics were heavily dependent on a declining/oft-injured TimeLord and a getting older Al Horford. Blake was fun, but he was preparing for warm-weather retirement. Gallinari hadn't played a single minute & was taking up cap space. Mike Muscala wasn't a bad addition at the deadline & his salary ended up serving a purpose.
Brad's work at the 5 over the last year is a Master Class in GM-ing.
Here is what Brad (w/ Zaren & Joe) have done since:
1. Stole Porzingis for filler (unloading Gallinari's negative contract in the process) + a 2nd.
Then extended him on a discount (while the rest of the NBA was busy chasing Dame).
How the heck aren't 8-10 other GM's calling the Wizards last summer offering more? especially after the Brogdon deal went publicly bust? That should have set off alarm bells at every other contender's front office when the Clippers nixed it.
2. Sold TL before he becomes a non-asset to go get Jrue
3. Extended Horford for 2-years at $10MM/yr. Then move Al to the role of 6th Man, reduce minutes & wear-n-tear (which will make him more effective in the playoffs)
4. Kept Luke Kornet on a minimum deal. Force-fed him some 3rd string minutes, where he looks playable. BUT appears to get nicked up, so let's get more depth by...
5. Adding Queta, G-League MVP, for nothing on a 2-way. Doesn't even take up a roster spot. Wyc's wallet says thank you.
6. Finally adds an elite defensive Center for 2 Seconds (which he piled up in the Smart heist). Gets Tillman's Bird rights which is crucial to a team that has no wiggle room to add players as a 2nd apron team.
Sorry if I LOLz at the Timberwolves using a boatload of draft assets for a max'd Rudy Gobert (I'd rather have KP)
ALSO NBA resident genius Daryl Morey hedged himself from the inevitable Embiid injury with Paul Read/Mo Bamba combo. Maybe should have kicked the Tillman tires at the deadline, but I guess he was busy spending 2nds for Buddy Hield.
Brad has reached Theo status.