Timberwolves Decline Team Option On Julian Phillips

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype (Twitter link), the Wolves also declined to give Phillips a qualifying offer, which means he’ll be an unrestricted free agent.

The 35th overall pick of the 2023 draft, Phillips averaged 4.6 points and 2.1 rebounds in 79 games (14.2 minutes per contest) in 2024/25 following a modest role as a rookie. However, he didn’t play much in ’25/26, his third season, averaging 2.9 PPG and 1.0 RPG in 8.9 MPG across 48 appearances.

Phillips was drafted by Chicago, which traded him to Minnesota in February as part of the Ayo Dosunmu deal. Obviously, the Wolves’ main priority was acquiring Dosunmu, who reportedly agreed to a five-year, $112MM contract to remain with Minnesota.

Known for his athleticism, Phillips is still just 22 years old and remains eligible for a two-way contract since he only has three years of NBA experience.