Labaron Philon Worked Out for a Team With Pick 28: Why The Wolves Are About To Break The Bank
Hold up, Seattle! I know we’re deep into Mariners analysis, still figuring out if Cal Raleigh can carry the offense, but we gotta talk about what’s brewing in the NBA. An Instagram story on Friday night dropped the bomb, and the buzz is wild: Alabama guard Labaron Philon Jr., a legit top-20 talent, was spotted in Minnesota. The Wolves are sitting on the 28th overall pick, so you already know what that means. They’re plotting something huge, and it’s getting people talking all over the league.
This Guy Isn't Slipping To Pick 28, So What's The Plan?
Philon isn't just some late-round flyer. This kid had an absolutely massive breakout sophomore season at Alabama, putting up 22.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. He was lights out, shooting 50.1% from the field, 39.9% from three, and 79.8% from the free throw line. Those numbers aren't just good, they catapulted him into being a potential lottery pick. Seriously, the guy has a strong case for the next tier of prospects after those top-tier names like A.J. Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer, and even the group of freshmen guards like Keaton Wagler.
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ESPN rates Philon as the 18th-best prospect in this year's draft. The Ringer has him even higher at No. 14, and The Athletic had him going 21st overall in their latest mock. So, if you're doing the math, there is zero chance Philon will still be on the board by the time the Timberwolves make their selection at pick 28. So what in the Emerald City is going on?
Trading Up? The Wolves Have Done It Before, And It's Getting Real
Wolves reporters Jon Krawczynski and Chris Hine confirmed on Saturday that Philon is indeed in Minnesota for a pre-draft workout. And Krawczynski laid it out plain: "I’ll just say it’s very notable that Philon agreed to visit Minnesota for a workout despite being projected much higher than 28." You don't bring a guy like that in if you aren't ready to make a move, right? Hine totally agreed, pointing out that Philon's decision clearly implies the Wolves are "canvassing their options" to move way up in the draft. This isn't just rumor mill stuff anymore.
And let's not forget, Tim Connelly and that front office aren't shy about making a splash. They traded up in the 2024 draft to snag Rob Dillingham with the eighth overall pick. The Wolves have been at the center of all sorts of offseason trade rumors since they got bounced in the Western Conference semifinals, mostly about bringing in another star to play alongside Anthony Edwards. An aggressive move like this in the draft, especially for a guy like Philon who's a 6-foot-4 point guard who can score at all three levels, would definitely surprise a lot of people. With Ayo Dosunmu, Mike Conley Jr., and Kyle Anderson as impending free agents, Philon would be an intriguing talent to pair alongside Edwards in the backcourt.
The NBA Draft is coming up fast, and you know we'll be watching every single move. Are the Wolves really about to shock everyone and make a splash like this? We've seen teams make bold plays, and sometimes they pay off huge. This is the kind of drama that makes the offseason worth following, even if we're all still decked out in our Mariners jerseys. What do you think, Seattle? Is a big draft day trade about to go down?
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.