Timberwolves Acquire Julian Phillips in Multi-Player Deal With Bulls

Julian Phillips is on the move again. The Minnesota Timberwolves have acquired the 22-year-old forward from the Chicago Bulls as part of a blockbuster trade that also sends guard Ayo Dosunmu to Minnesota while Chicago receives rookie guard Rob Dillingham, forward Leonard Miller and four second-round draft picks.

Phillips, who has been sidelined with a wrist injury, spent the past three seasons in Chicago without ever establishing a consistent NBA role. Across 154 career regular-season appearances, he averaged just 11.6 minutes per game, often shuttling between the Bulls’ rotation and the G League.

Bulls continue aggressive roster teardown

The trade marks another significant step in Chicago’s ongoing rebuild, as the front office has aggressively flipped veterans for youth and draft capital ahead of the February deadline. Including this deal, reports indicate the Bulls have accumulated nine second-round picks and nine new players through recent transactions.

Dosunmu, 26, was enjoying a breakout fifth NBA season in his hometown, averaging career highs of 15 points, 3.6 assists and 3 rebounds while shooting over 51 percent from the field and 45 percent from three. Selected by Chicago in the 2021 second round after starring at Illinois, he earned All-Rookie honors but now heads to Minnesota as a key piece for their Western Conference push.

For the Bulls, parting with Dosunmu’s production in exchange for high-upside prospects like Dillingham—who Minnesota selected with an unprotected 2031 first-round pick—and Miller represents a clear bet on the future. Dillingham showed rookie flashes but struggled for consistent minutes behind Minnesota’s established backcourt, while Miller offers size and athleticism as Chicago’s tallest rotation option.

Phillips’ journeyman path to Minnesota

Phillips enters the league as the 35th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft after a promising one-and-done freshman season at Tennessee, where he averaged 8.3 points and 4.7 rebounds while earning Battle 4 Atlantis All-Tournament honors. A consensus five-star recruit originally committed to LSU, Phillips decommitted after a coaching change and chose the Volunteers over South Carolina and Auburn.​

In Chicago, the 6-foot-8 forward was viewed as a defensive prospect with high upside but never translated that potential into steady NBA minutes. Limited by injuries—including his current wrist issue—and a crowded wing rotation, Phillips bounced between the Bulls and their G League affiliate, appearing in just 154 games over three seasons. Fantasy analysts consistently described him as a “depth piece” with bleak production outlook due to minute restrictions.

Now in Minnesota, Phillips faces similar challenges on a deep, contending roster. He is listed as questionable for a potential debut Friday against the Pelicans, pending wrist recovery and coach Chris Finch’s rotation decisions. With established wings like Jaden McDaniels, Kyle Anderson and others ahead of him, consistent minutes appear unlikely in the short term.

Timberwolves reinforce depth for playoff run

Minnesota’s motivation in the deal centers on Dosunmu, who fills a critical need at backup point guard following the recent trade of Mike Conley. The Timberwolves have lacked reliable lead ball-handling off the bench this season, and Dosunmu’s scoring efficiency, defensive versatility and Chicago breakout make him an immediate fit alongside Bones Hyland and Jaylen Clark.

Including Phillips provides additional frontcourt depth, though his role will likely remain situational. The cost—Dillingham, Miller and four second-rounders—is significant but preserves Minnesota’s first-round picks while adding a low-risk, high-ceiling wing prospect. Reports emphasize that Phillips “won’t benefit much from a change of scenery” given the Wolves’ crowded depth chart, positioning him as organizational depth rather than rotation staple.

Fantasy impact muted across the board

Fantasy basketball analysts have downplayed the deal’s immediate relevance. Phillips’ outlook “remains bleak” due to Minnesota’s minutes crunch, while Dillingham joins a loaded Chicago guard room without a clear path. Miller could see rotation opportunities as the Bulls’ tallest player but lacks standard-league appeal. Dosunmu stands to gain the most, potentially as Minnesota’s primary bench lead guard.

Broader implications for both franchises

For Chicago, the transaction accelerates a rebuild that has already seen departures of Nikola Vučević, Coby White and others. With nine second-round picks and a youth movement underway, the Bulls are prioritizing flexibility over Eastern Conference mediocrity. Dillingham’s upside and Miller’s physical tools headline the return, potentially forming cornerstones if they develop behind Chicago’s crowded backcourt.

Minnesota, twice a Western Conference Finals participant, doubles down on win-now depth. Dosunmu addresses backcourt turnover concerns, while Phillips offers injury insurance without long-term salary commitment. The price tag reflects confidence in the current core’s championship ceiling, even as it mortgages some future assets.

Phillips’ NBA journey continues in a familiar depth role, but the fresh scenery in Minnesota—combined with his youth and defensive tools—keeps developmental intrigue alive. Whether he carves a niche on a contender or emerges as a trade chip remains the key storyline.