REPORT: Brandon Paul agrees to partially guaranteed deal with Philadelphia 76ers

Brandon Paul has been turning heads on the NBA Summer League circuit, and it appears he may have played himself into an opportunity for a full-time roster spot. According to Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders, the former Fighting Illini guard has agreed to a partially guaranteed deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. Exact details of the contract are currently unknown.

Brandon Paul has joined the Philadelphia 76ers on a partially guaranteed deal, according to sources.

— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) July 19, 2016

While playing alongside No. 1 overall pick Ben Simmons, Paul averaged 10.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game. Those numbers come on the heels of impressive showings during Orlando Summer League; with the Charlotte Hornets, Paul averaged 15.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per contest.

Although things continue to look up for the 25-year-old, his shot at the NBA remains an uphill climb. As of Monday, the Sixers already had 19 players under contract, including six at Paul's position. So the most likely end result is probably another D-League stint with the Delaware 87ers. But, hey, Paul has given himself a legitimate shot ahead of training camp. What more can you ask?

July 19, 2016 Poll Question

Will Brandon Paul be on an NBA roster come Opening Night? Make sure to cast you vote at the bottom, and let us know what you think down in the comments.

Illinois Fighting Illini Links

- 2018 DB Houston Griffith is transferring to IMG Academy (TCR)

Class-of-2018 defensive back and Illinois legacy recruit Houston Griffith will be transferring from Mount Carmel High School (Chicago) to IMG Academy ahead of his junior season. Griffith, a four-star prospect, is the No. 83 overall player in Scout's latest rankings.

- Illinois promotes new Senior Associate AD for Development (Fighting Illini Athletics)

University of Illinois Director of Athletics Josh Whitman announced Monday that Howard Milton has been named Senior Associate Athletics Director for Development. Milton, an accomplished fundraiser with more than 15 years of experience in the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA), will be charged with leading athletics development as the unit enters a critical period of aggressive growth.

- Big Ten Media Days Preview: Illinois Fighting Illini (ESPN)

Plenty of attention has already been devoted to how Smith will handle the move from the NFL since Illinois pulled off its unexpected hiring in March. He should be prepared for an onslaught of questions about his transition, which should go hand in hand with opportunities for him to detail what he wants his teams to look like over course of the six-year contract he signed to rebuild the program.