VIPERS ACQUIRE RETURNING RIGHTS TO PHILLIP WHEELER

EDINBURG, Texas (Sept. 18, 2026) – The Rio Grande Valley Vipers announced today the team has acquired the returning rights to Phillip Wheeler and a first-round pick in the 2027 NBA G League Draft from the Osceola Magic. In exchange, RGV has agreed to trade the returning rights to Ricky Council IV to the Magic. This trade is not subject to a physical. 

Wheeler (6-8, 185) began his G League journey back in 2021 with the Vipers as a practice player. Later that same season he appeared in two regular season games with the team. Last season, he averaged 14.9 points and 3.6 rebounds in 36 regular season games with Osceola. Before joining the Magic, he spent time with both the Texas Legends and the Maine Celtics averaging 15.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists across 25 games.

In 2023, Wheeler was part of the Mexico City Capitanes averaging 10.5 points and 3.9 rebounds in 33 games. During the 2022-23 season Wheeler played in 23 regular season games with the Iowa Wolves averaging 8.7 points and 4.5 rebounds. 

Council IV (6-6, 207) played a lone season with the Vipers. In five regular season games, he averaged 12.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists before suffering a season ending injury. 

He served as a two-player for the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2023-25 campaigns. During his tenure with Philadelphia, he appeared in 105 games and averaged 6.7 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.1 assists for the 76ers and in 29 games for the Delaware Blue Coats. During his two seasons with the Blue Coats, he averaged 24.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.1 steals. 

Council IV finished his collegiate career with the Arkansas Razorbacks. In one season (2022-23) he played in 36 games averaging 16.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.1 steals. Prior to Arkansas, he spent two seasons with Wichita State. 

For more information visit www.rgvipers.com.