The Chicago Bulls are signing rookie forward Julian Phillips to a four-year, $8.1 million contract, according to Bobby Marks of ESPN. (H/t Daniel Greenberg) The fourth year in Phillips’ contract is a team option, and the deal utilizes the second-round exception that was added in the new collective bargaining agreement.
According to Marks, Phillipss’ $5.7 million in guaranteed money is the second-most among all second-round picks who have signed contracts thus far. Colby Jones of the Sacramento Kings is the only second-round pick who has more guaranteed money on his deal (of those who have already signed). His deal is a four-year, $8.7 million contract.
Heading into the 2023 NBA draft, the Bulls had no picks, but they stayed active. They traded into the second round and selected Phillips with the 35th pick.
Julian Phillips becomes the 12th second rd. selection (out of 13) to sign a 4 year contract.
Here are the details for the Chicago Bulls forward:
23/24: $1.6M
24/25: $1.9M
25/26: $2.2M
26/27: $2.4M (Team Option)The $5.7M in guaranteed money ranks #2 among all 2nd rd. picks.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) July 12, 2023
Phillips missed the Bulls’ first summer league game because he had not signed his rookie deal. He has played in both of their contests since. The rookie struggled in his first game, but in the second, he picked up the pace.
Most impressively, Phillips showed off a solid three-point stroke, nailing all three of his triples against the Kings. He shot 23.9% from distance in college, but his form looked solid against Sacramento.
With the new contract in place, Chicago will have Phillips under team control for the next four seasons as they attempt to develop him into a rotation piece.
The 6-foot-8 rookie is known for his defense and athleticism, so if he can develop a 3-point shot, the Bulls could have a solid 3-and-D forward on their hands.
