One of the most exciting days in all of sports is the NBA trade deadline. It’s a day so chaotic and unpredictable that some fans honestly find it more entertaining than the actual games being played, which is kind of funny when you think about it.
Nate Ament fires off amazing quote about Jaylen Carey after outstanding win vs Ole Miss
That being said, a former Tennessee basketball player, Julian Phillips, has been a part of one of the biggest moves during this year's trade deadline so far. ESPN's Shams Charania has reported that the Minnesota Timberwolves have traded Rob Dillingham, Leonard Miller, and four second-round picks to the Chicago Bulls for Ayo Dosunmu and Julian Phillips.
Dosunmu going to Minnesota is a huge deal in the NBA, and the Timberwolves taking a chance on Julian Phillips does show that the former Vol still has potential that teams like. He's struggled a bit so far to begin his NBA career after being picked 35th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft. This year for the Bulls, he's averaging 2.8 points and 1.3 rebounds a game in just 9.5 minutes.
Hopefully, the fresh start on a contender like Minnesota will have Phillips thriving like many thought he would when he declared for the NBA Draft.
Former Tennessee players have done well in the NBA
The Tennessee footprint has been very strong in the league so far. Tobias Harris has been a pivitol player for the Detroit Pistons this year averaging nearly 14 points a game and holding a vetyeran prescence in the locker room. Chaz Lanier has also flashed some in Detroit when he's gotten his opportunities.
Daulton Knecht could still be traded after requesting a move over a week ago. He’s shown flashes of potential, but he isn’t getting the kind of minutes he wants with the Lakers. Grant Williams has put together a great NBA Career so far, but an ACL injury has held him back as of late.
In next year's draft, it wouldn't be surprising at all to see Tennessee expand its already strong footprint. Nate Ament has been projected to be a top-10 pick for some time now, so it will be exciting to see where he lands.