Julian Phillips. David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bulls sign rookie to eye-opening contract

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated 7/14/23

The Chicago Bulls invested in second-pick Julian Phillips by trading up to get him in the draft. The Bulls spent the money to back up the draft capital they gave up to get him.

The Chicago Bulls are guaranteeing a lot to Julian Phillips

The Bulls gave up their 2026 and 2027 second-round picks to the Washington Wizards for the rights to Phillips. According to Bobby Marks with ESPN, the Bills signed Phillips to the second-highest contract in terms of guaranteed money of any of the 2023 second-round picks. Twelve players have signed so far.

The Bulls are on the hook for $5.7M in guaranteed cash. The overall deal is four years for $8.1M.

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

That’s a high gamble for the Bulls’ new forward. He should bring good defense to Chicago but still needs to work on his shooting. Phillips’ shooting has been coming along during the Bulls’ summer league. He scored 16 points against the Sacramento Kings Tuesday.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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