In a thrilling turn of events for Villanova fans, the 6-foot-5 Philadelphia native, Poplar, has secured an Exhibit-10 contract with the Chicago Bulls, marking a significant step in his journey to the NBA. Although no Villanova players were selected in the 2025 NBA Draft on June 25 and 26, Poplar’s signing, alongside forward Eric Dixon’s two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, has kept the Wildcats’ presence strong in professional basketball.
What is an Exhibit-10 Contract?
An Exhibit-10 contract is a one-year, minimum-salary deal designed for undrafted players like Poplar to showcase their skills and potentially earn a roster spot in the NBA. Unlike guaranteed contracts, these deals come with no financial commitment from the team, offering players a chance to prove themselves. For exceptional performers, an Exhibit-10 contract can be converted into a two-way contract, allowing players to split time between the NBA and the G-League. Additionally, players who spend at least 60 days in the G-League can earn a bonus of up to $75,000, providing a financial incentive to compete at a high level.
This contract is a golden opportunity for Poplar to demonstrate his worth to the Chicago Bulls, a franchise with a storied history and a passionate fanbase eager to see new talent shine.
Poplar’s Journey to the Bulls
Poplar’s path to the NBA has been one of grit, growth, and standout performances. In his lone season at Villanova in 2024-25, the versatile guard/forward emerged as the team’s second-leading scorer and top rebounder, averaging an impressive 15.3 points, 7 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. His postseason play was even more remarkable, with Poplar elevating his game to average 22 points and 7.5 rebounds per game in the Big East Tournament and the College Basketball Crown. His stellar performance earned him Third Team All-Big East honors, solidifying his reputation as a dynamic two-way player.
Before Villanova, Poplar spent three seasons at the University of Miami, where he developed into a key contributor. As a sophomore, he earned a starting role during the Hurricanes’ remarkable Final Four run in 2022-23. In his junior year, he started all 29 games he played, averaging 13.1 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. A four-star recruit out of Math, Civics, and Sciences Charter School in Philadelphia, Poplar’s athleticism and work ethic have long marked him as a player with professional potential.
After graduating from Villanova, Poplar turned heads at the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, an NBA pre-draft camp, where his performance earned him a spot on the All-Tournament Team. This exposure likely played a pivotal role in catching the attention of NBA scouts, including those from the Chicago Bulls.
The NBA Summer League: Poplar’s Next Stage
Poplar’s Exhibit-10 contract with the Bulls grants him the opportunity to compete in the 2025 NBA Summer League, set to take place from July 10 to July 20 in Las Vegas at the Thomas & Mack Center and Pavilion on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The Summer League is a critical platform for young players to showcase their skills, as all 30 NBA teams use the event to experiment with their rosters and evaluate talent. For Poplar, this is a chance to prove he belongs on an NBA court, competing alongside other rookies, G-League players, and veterans vying for spots.
With his size, scoring ability, and rebounding prowess, Poplar is well-positioned to make an impact. His versatility as a 6-foot-5 wing who can score, defend, and crash the boards makes him an intriguing fit for the Bulls, who are looking to bolster their roster with young, hungry talent.
In a thrilling turn of events for Villanova fans, the 6-foot-5 Philadelphia native, Poplar, has secured an Exhibit-10 contract with the Chicago Bulls, marking a significant step in his journey to the NBA. Although no Villanova players were selected in the 2025 NBA Draft on June 25 and 26, Poplar’s signing, alongside forward Eric Dixon’s two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, has kept the Wildcats’ presence strong in professional basketball.
What is an Exhibit-10 Contract?
An Exhibit-10 contract is a one-year, minimum-salary deal designed for undrafted players like Poplar to showcase their skills and potentially earn a roster spot in the NBA. Unlike guaranteed contracts, these deals come with no financial commitment from the team, offering players a chance to prove themselves. For exceptional performers, an Exhibit-10 contract can be converted into a two-way contract, allowing players to split time between the NBA and the G-League. Additionally, players who spend at least 60 days in the G-League can earn a bonus of up to $75,000, providing a financial incentive to compete at a high level.
This contract is a golden opportunity for Poplar to demonstrate his worth to the Chicago Bulls, a franchise with a storied history and a passionate fanbase eager to see new talent shine.
Poplar’s Journey to the Bulls
Poplar’s path to the NBA has been one of grit, growth, and standout performances. In his lone season at Villanova in 2024-25, the versatile guard/forward emerged as the team’s second-leading scorer and top rebounder, averaging an impressive 15.3 points, 7 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. His postseason play was even more remarkable, with Poplar elevating his game to average 22 points and 7.5 rebounds per game in the Big East Tournament and the College Basketball Crown. His stellar performance earned him Third Team All-Big East honors, solidifying his reputation as a dynamic two-way player.
Before Villanova, Poplar spent three seasons at the University of Miami, where he developed into a key contributor. As a sophomore, he earned a starting role during the Hurricanes’ remarkable Final Four run in 2022-23. In his junior year, he started all 29 games he played, averaging 13.1 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. A four-star recruit out of Math, Civics, and Sciences Charter School in Philadelphia, Poplar’s athleticism and work ethic have long marked him as a player with professional potential.
After graduating from Villanova, Poplar turned heads at the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, an NBA pre-draft camp, where his performance earned him a spot on the All-Tournament Team. This exposure likely played a pivotal role in catching the attention of NBA scouts, including those from the Chicago Bulls.
The NBA Summer League: Poplar’s Next Stage
Poplar’s Exhibit-10 contract with the Bulls grants him the opportunity to compete in the 2025 NBA Summer League, set to take place from July 10 to July 20 in Las Vegas at the Thomas & Mack Center and Pavilion on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The Summer League is a critical platform for young players to showcase their skills, as all 30 NBA teams use the event to experiment with their rosters and evaluate talent. For Poplar, this is a chance to prove he belongs on an NBA court, competing alongside other rookies, G-League players, and veterans vying for spots.
With his size, scoring ability, and rebounding prowess, Poplar is well-positioned to make an impact. His versatility as a 6-foot-5 wing who can score, defend, and crash the boards makes him an intriguing fit for the Bulls, who are looking to bolster their roster with young, hungry talent.