The Chicago Bulls are signing rookie forward Julian Phillips to a four-year, $8.1 million contract Bobby Marks of ESPN. (H/t Daniel Greenberg) The fourth year in Phillips’ contract is a team option, and the deal will be utilizing the Second-Round Exception that was introduced in the new CBA.
According to Marks, Phillips’ $5.7 million in guaranteed money is the second-most among all second-round picks who have signed contracts so 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), as his deal is a four-year, $8.7 million contract.
Heading into the 2023 NBA Draft, the Bulls had no picks, but they remained active. They traded into the second round and selected Phillips with the 35th pick in the draft.
Phillips missed the Bulls’ first Summer League game as he had yet to sign his rookie deal, but he’s 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 just 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 rotational piece.
The 6-foot-8 rookie is known for his defense and athleticism, so if he can develop a three-point shot, the Bulls could have a solid 3-and-D forward on their hands.
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Story originally appeared on Lonzo Wire