Overview
- The Rockets announced the signing of Julian Phillips on Friday, July 24, adding him to an offseason group that already included Isaiah Crawford, Jae’Sean Tate and Oscar Tshiebwe.
- The team did not disclose financial terms and reports say the deal is likely non-guaranteed, leaving open conversion to an Exhibit 10 or two-way contract before the regular season.
- Phillips was the No. 35 pick in the 2023 draft after one season at Tennessee and has spent time with Chicago and Minnesota while showing stronger per-36 and limited G League scoring numbers.
- Houston can carry up to 21 players in the offseason but must reduce that to 15 standard contracts plus three two-way slots for the regular season, so Phillips will need to earn a spot in training camp.
- If Phillips is waived, he could be steered to the Rockets’ G League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, and his fate will signal how Houston manages near-term roster spots and luxury-tax decisions.