The Chicago Bulls are deep enough into their rebuild that almost anything can be framed as a long-shot possibility, and that includes a trade idea involving Labaron Philon Jr. and the Philadelphia 76ers.
To be clear, there has been no actual Bulls connection to a Philon Jr. deal. This is a thought experiment, the kind that shows up when the NBA calendar gets sleepy and people start reaching for the next thing. Still, the fit is easy to see on paper.
Philadelphia drafted Philon Jr. at No. 22, but the rookie guard arrived in a backcourt that already includes Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. Then the 76ers kept stacking the deck by signing Anfernee Simons on a short-term deal, along with veteran help in Dean Wade and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, while also landing Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics and LeBron James in free agency. That leaves Philon Jr. in a spot where minutes could be hard to come by right away, and possibly even in Year 2.
Chicago, meanwhile, is moving in the opposite direction. Bryson Graham has made it clear this is not a quick fix.
The Bulls are treating this as a real rebuild, and that opens the door for a young guard who can actually grow with the roster. The backcourt still needs a future piece, and while some see Dailyn Swain as a possible guard, he may fit better as a forward and still has questions as a primary ball-handler.
Philon Jr. brings a lot to like. The former Alabama standout was one of the better ball-handlers in the class, and he has a three-level scoring package that stands out.
In his sophomore season with the Crimson Tide, he put up 22.0 points and 5.0 assists while shooting 50.1 percent from the field and 39.9 percent from three. He is not the most explosive athlete, but he changes pace well, gets to his spots, and has a smooth mid-range game.
His finishing also improved in Year 2.
There’s also a natural basketball fit with Josh Giddey. Both players are dangerous in the open floor, and Philon Jr.’s growth as a shooter makes him a more interesting catch-and-shoot option. He has also shown an aggressive edge defensively, even if he is not built like a classic imposing stopper.
Chicago already got a look at him before draft night, when Philon Jr. worked out with the Bulls and some thought he could be in play at No. 15. That alone doesn’t mean the Bulls are chasing him now, but it does underline why the idea makes sense.
The tougher question is what Philadelphia would want back. Philon Jr. is still on a cost-controlled deal, and the 76ers may prefer to keep him as a long-term piece, especially if concerns come up later about paying VJ Edgecombe.
At the same time, Philadelphia is built to win now, and the frontcourt still looks thin. Joel Embiid has not stayed healthy in recent years, and after losing Andre Drummond, the backup center options are Adem Bona and Ariel Hukporti.
That makes Jalen Smith an obvious name to watch. He is coming off a strong season in Chicago and would give the 76ers a versatile big who can space the floor.
With Brown and James attacking downhill on the wings, Smith’s efficiency from the perimeter could matter. There was also a rumor earlier this offseason that Philadelphia tried to add him at last season’s trade deadline.
Even then, Smith alone probably would not be enough to land Philon Jr. The Bulls might need to add multiple second-round picks, and Philadelphia would likely push for a protected first. That feels steep for Chicago, especially for a player who is still unproven and would need to come out of the gate hot, something like Jared McCain, to justify that kind of return.
For now, the 76ers probably are not in a hurry to move anyone. They likely want a better look at Philon Jr. and the rest of the roster before making another change.
But if an injury hits the frontcourt, or if Philadelphia decides to add one more piece at the trade deadline, this is the kind of name that could resurface. For the Bulls, it is the rare speculative target that actually matches where the franchise is headed.
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