<a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-top-3-possible-targets-for-76ers-to-bolster-roster-20230602-SPD-3669.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chris Paul</a> was once widely regarded as one of the league’s top point guards. And although he still has that distinction if we speak about the league’s history, the Phoenix Suns realized that wasn’t the case recently.



In light of this, the difficult decision was taken to release the former superstar, bringing an end to his illustrious run in the Valley of the Sun. Last season he was plagued by injuries, and his scoring explosions became more rare.



Still, many clubs in the league are in need of a point guard. There’s no reason to doubt that he can continue his successful mentoring role beyond his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Keeping that in mind, we examine the top three locations that may accommodate him.



<h2>3. Miami Heat</h2>



It was almost completed this season, but Pat Riley’s lack of alertness prevented the Miami Heat from trading Kyle Lowry. They need a new point guard and Chris Paul is still a top player despite his advanced age.



Paul is a great match for Erik Spoelstra and Heat Culture, but he may not be the answer in the long run. He’s a defender and the sort of pass-first facilitator that will help them reach new heights in the offensive department.



<h2>2. Los Angeles Lakers</h2>



When it comes to getting what he needs, <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-top-3-possible-all-star-targets-for-celtics-for-next-season-20230605-SPD-3673.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a> generally doesn’t have to wait. One of his closest buddies is a point guard who is now a free agent and is being pursued by the Los Angeles Lakers.



D’Angelo Russell’s time in Los Angeles was a failure, and rumor has it that LeBron James doesn’t like him very much. They have one last shot at a championship if they join forces with CP3.



<h2>1. Chicago Bulls</h2>



Time is of the essence for the Chicago Bulls. After a promising start to Arturas Karnisovas’ tenure, the club has been disorganized for the better part of a year. They’re lost, yet they have no interest in starting again.



With Lonzo Ball possibly retiring from professional basketball, the team has a major gaping vacuum at the point guard position. In their desperation, they may even attempt to buy out an aged Chris Paul if the deal doesn’t work out.

NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for Chris Paul in case of Suns exit - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for Chris Paul in case of Suns exit

miniaturas

The end of the road for <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-greatest-2023-nba-mvp-award-snubs-20230503-SPD-3616.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dillon Brooks</a> and the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-top-3-possible-head-coach-successors-to-mike-budenholzer-at-bucks-20230506-SPD-3619.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Memphis Grizzlies</a> was rocky. The Los Angeles Lakers promptly sent them packing after hearing what he said about LeBron James. The series took only five games.



The Grizzlies have assured Brooks that they have no plans to re-sign him. They obviously didn’t like his attitude, and there’s speculation that he may have been able to negotiate his way out of the league. On the other hand, it’s not as if Brooks has zero ability. He is a man of many words but not usually many deeds. 



But if he’s ready to accept a smaller contract and keep his head down and just do his job, there are a few clubs who could use a wing like him. Let’s take a look at the NBA positions where he has the highest Let’s take a look at which NBA team might be the greatest match for the 27-year-old.



<h2>3. Dallas Mavericks</h2>



When trading for Kyrie Irving, the Dallas Mavericks gave up a lot of defensive depth. Obviously, the experiment did not go as planned, but there is still hope if they play their cards well.



Next year, Brooks probably won’t ask for a huge salary increase, so he might sign a ‘prove-it’ kind of contract with them. It’s important to have strong guys like Brooks on the court with Luka Doncic, and he’s not afraid to risk injury for the team.



<h2>2. Chicago Bulls</h2>



Chicago toughened up their roster by adding Patrick Beverley and Alex Caruso. Dillon Brooks is a perfect match for a squad that wants to improve its defense.



The Bulls have a history of spending too much for players who don’t deliver, and the current Arturas Karnisovas administration doesn’t appear to know what they’re doing. It would make sense for them to recruit a player of Brooks’ caliber.



<h2>1. Cleveland Cavaliers</h2>



The Cavaliers did well throughout the regular season, but they fizzled out when it mattered most. They needed a wing player who could contribute immediately off the bench, both defensively and by making threes.



The Cavaliers’ future is bright, therefore it makes sense for Brooks to join the team at this moment. Given that they already have J.B. Bickerstaff on staff, taking a gamble on a person like him is within their means.

NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for Dillon Brooks

NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for Dillon Brooks - thesportsdrops NEWS

Despite their best efforts, the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-contenders-for-2022-23-nba-coach-of-the-year-20230409-SPD-3565.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atlanta Hawks</a> were unable to put the Boston Celtics in a bind. They’ve often struggled when facing the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-top-3-finest-current-players-who-have-never-won-defensive-player-of-the-year-20230424-SPD-3597.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a>‘s best teams, and this season was no different.



Their problems throughout the regular season probably weren’t without reason. Their campaign had full of ups and downs, and as a result, they were never able to secure a top seed.



Some experts have placed the blame on Trae Young for the team’s recent struggles, so with reports indicating the organization is willing to part ways with their rising star, it’s time to examine the three teams that could be interested in acquiring him.



<h2>3. Chicago Bulls</h2>



Despite Arturas Karnisovas’ best efforts, the Chicago Bulls are now out of the playoff picture. It seems that the present roster is defective, and Lonzo Ball may never play basketball again.



They could probably trade Zach LaVine for another furious star as he seems dissatisfied with Billy Donovan. The Hawks would let Dejounte Murray play point guard all the time if the Bulls included some more pieces in the trade.



<h2>2. Dallas Mavericks</h2>



An everlasting bond exists between Luka Doncic and Trae Young. It is only natural that the players involved in one of the finest deals in recent NBA history would join forces as members of the Dallas Mavericks and attempt to dominate the NBA for years to come.



While this wouldn’t be a huge defensive upgrade from Kyrie Irving, it would give them two foundational pieces to work with for the next decade. To make this possible, they’d have to negotiate a sign-and-trade with Kyrie and acquire a forward with a focus on defense.



<h2>1. Miami Heat</h2>



The Miami Heat’s search for a new superstar has gone on for far too long, especially considering the team’s recent first-round victory against the Milwaukee Bucks.



For a long time, this group’s point guards have been its weakest link. They could acquire him for Kyle Lowry, and Duncan Robinson, a first-round selection in 2027, and a first-round selection in 2029.

NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for Trae Young in case of Hawks exit

NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for Trae Young in case of Hawks exit - thesportsdrops NEWS

Most likely, the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/bojan-bogdanovic-and-other-potential-players-warriors-could-look-to-acquire-20221225-SPD-3282.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Houston Rockets</a> are attempting to trade Eric Gordon to other teams in exchange for draft selections. In all likelihood, Orlando will answer calls for Terrence Ross and Gary Harris. Both Charlotte and Detroit should be willing to listen to offers from older players.



These players were vital, yet they are hardly spoken of outside of February. One may always expect a few deadlines to be extended at the conclusion of any given period.



Even though this is one of the most packed playoff races in league history, there are five clubs who stand out as not just the most likely sellers at the deadline but the pivots of the entire market. The rest of the league is waiting for these teams to make a decision, and if a deal changes the outcome of the championship in February, one of these teams is likely to be involved.



<h2>3. Chicago Bulls</h2>



This group will never amount to anything. This era of Bulls basketball, ironically, started two days ago when the Orlando Magic reached the same decision and traded Vucevic to the Bulls. It’s possible that this agreement is currently preventing Chicago from progressing. 



With just 21 victories, they won’t be able to choose in the first four picks. If not, the Magic will make the selection. From that vantage point, it may be best for the Bulls to simply wait it out and figure out a retool in the winter. Since Vucevic’s contract is up and DeRozan is in his mid-30s, a transfer sooner rather than later is preferable.



<h2>2. Washington Wizards</h2>



If for no other reason than that, no player who was really content with his present club would say as much on the record about his approaching free agency as Kuzma has, he will likely be dealt before the deadline. He’s the mythical big wing who can shoot, and who won’t hurt you on either end of the court, therefore he should be a perfect match for almost any playoff team. The truth isn’t as cut and dry.



Of course, Kuzma is more of a test than anything else. He plays a position where teams are willing to overlook shortcomings in otherwise good players like himself. In the summer, a team will likely offer a package of lucrative assets in exchange for Kuzma, betting that they will sign him to a large multiyear deal and, in doing so, perhaps setting the market for comparable wings.



<h2>1. San Antonio Spurs</h2>



Those who can play the position of center or power forward in the playoffs are quite uncommon. Karl-Anthony Towns, in a single game last spring, was able to force Steven Adams off the court due to the extreme need for flexibility. A smaller player at the center who planned to flip screens and make up for offensive losses could get away with it until just lately. 



Nikola Jokic has given one conference new planning challenges, while the other has Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo to contend with. In order to defeat the incorrect center, all it takes is one mismatch.

Three NBA teams with the most potential for February sales

Three NBA teams with the most potential for February sales - thesportsdrops NEWS

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/turmoil-surrounding-kevin-durants-trade-request-to-nets-played-down-by-steve-nash-20220929-SPD-2865.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chicago Bulls</a> are confident that guard <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-lakers-committed-to-helping-lebron-james-but-theres-a-catch-20220927-SPD-2849.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lonzo Ball</a> will be able to participate in at least some games throughout the course of this season. This is a piece of information that might be interpreted as a glimmer of hope about Ball’s status. 



On Wednesday, Ball had knee surgery for the second time in this calendar year; it is anticipated that he will be out of action for at least a few months as a result. When the Bulls announced a week ago that he will have arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, they also said that he would be re-evaluated four to six weeks after the procedure. 



He and the team will evaluate how he reacts to the procedure over the following two weeks, and his comeback date will depend on how well his rehabilitation goes. On Tuesday, Ball expressed concern that he was unable to run or leap without experiencing discomfort. Late in the month of January, he had surgery to repair a torn meniscus, and as a result, he was unable to play for Chicago in any of the team’s last 42 games of the regular season. 



<h2>Season not over for Lonzo Ball, but will miss few months after knee surgery</h2>



During that stretch of games, the Bulls had a record of 19-23, which contributed to their drop from first to sixth place in the Eastern Conference. He attempted to increase the amount of exercise he was doing and go back on the floor, but the discomfort in his knee continued.



The previous season was Ball’s best in terms of 3-point shooting percentage, as he hit a career-high 42.3 percent of his tries. He also helped Chicago’s transition game. However, his absence was felt more keenly on the defensive side of the ball.

Lonzo Ball of Bulls projected to make injury comeback this season

Lonzo Ball of Bulls projected to make injury comeback this season - thesportsdrops NEWS

One of the league’s most experienced players has joined the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-strong-possibility-for-zach-lavine-to-re-sign-with-bulls-1571-20220616-SPD-1571.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chicago Bulls</a>‘ depth chart in the backcourt. On the Pull Up Podcast, Jordan Schultz reports that Chicago will sign <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-lakers-and-nets-actively-exploring-russell-westbrook-kyrie-irving-trade-1969-20220703-SPD-1969.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goran Dragic</a> to a one-year deal.



It was previously reported that Dragic would be paid $2.9 million, the veteran’s minimum, in the 2022-23 season. The Heat’s journey to the NBA Finals on Orlando’s ‘bubble’ campus in 2020 was made possible in large part by the Slovenian point guard.



Last year, Dragic played for both the Toronto Raptors and the Brooklyn Nets, although he appeared in only 21 games. With the Nets, he finished the year with averages of 7.4 points and 4.8 assists per game.



<h2>Goran Dragic moves to Bulls for next season</h2>



It will be Dragic’s sixth NBA squad and his 15th overall season. He comes to a club that had a promising start but deteriorated as it went on, finishing sixth in the Eastern Conference before falling 4-1 to Milwaukee in the NBA playoffs.



As a new member of the Chicago Bulls, the 36-year-old veteran will be joining a crowded guard group that already includes Lonzo Ball, Zach LaVine, Ayo Dosunmu, Coby White, and Alex Caruso.

NBA Free Agency: Bulls to sign Goran Dragic on one-year contract - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA Free Agency: Bulls to sign Goran Dragic on one-year contract

Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report believes that <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-mavericks-to-trade-for-zach-lavine-and-pair-him-up-with-luka-doncic-1116-20220528-SPD-1116.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zach LaVine</a> will most likely re-sign with the <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-trade-rumors-bulls-turn-attention-to-matisse-thybulle-of-76ers-956-20220521-SPD-956.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chicago Bulls</a>, despite speculations that he wants to speak to other clubs in free agency. A new five-year contract for an estimated $200 million is set to be signed by LaVine, says Fischer.



He also points out that the only big issue that has to be resolved is how the last year of the contract will be handled. Alternatively, LaVine might be given the choice of whether or not he wants to participate in the deal.



As predicted, LaVine is likely to be contacted by the Trail Blazers, Spurs, Hawks, and Lakers. However, Fischer does not feel any club will be able to provide him with a better environment than he currently has in Chicago. 



<h2>Zach LaVine to remain in Chicago for five more years</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Two-time All-Star Zach LaVine is expected to re-sign with the Chicago Bulls once the free-agency negotiation period opens June 30, sources told B/R. LaVine’s free agency has generated plenty of conversation among NBA personnel over the past few weeks. “But despite rumblings that the Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks and Los Angeles Lakers will make plays for LaVine, the coveted swingman is likely to remain with his current team. “Ironing out LaVine’s next deal appears centered on the fifth year of the contract. LaVine is eligible for a five-year deal totaling roughly $200 million. Whether that season is fully guaranteed, is a player option or nets other potential outcomes remains to be seen.”<cite>Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report</cite></blockquote>

NBA Rumors: Strong possibility for Zach LaVine to re-sign with Bulls - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA Rumors: Strong possibility for Zach LaVine to re-sign with Bulls

When <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-history-who-is-the-nbas-all-time-leading-scorer-165-20220502-SPD-165.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Matisse Thybulle</a> joined the <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-76ers-joel-embiid-perplexed-as-to-why-they-let-jimmy-butler-leave-after-defeat-to-heat-771-20220514-SPD-771.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philadelphia 76ers</a> in 2019, no one dared challenge his status as a lock. This is no longer a widely held view, though. 



Thybulle has the potential to be a great player in the future, but he had a dismal season with the Sixers this year. Especially in the 2021-22 NBA Playoffs, when the team needed others to stand up in the most important manner.



During the <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-playoffs-format-how-does-the-nba-postseason-work-126-20220502-SPD-126.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Playoffs</a>, Thybulle played just 15 minutes a game and averaged only three points. The Sixers had little use for him after that. So much so that it wouldn’t be unexpected if the franchise decided to move him over the summer.



<h2>Chicago Bulls one of options for Matisse Thybulle</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“The Sixers could look to get off Thybulle’s contract to create some wiggle room under the luxury tax, which looms large over the team’s offseason, and one team with known interest, according to league sources, is Chicago. Bulls GM Marc Eversley has had a fondness for Thybulle going back to early in his collegiate career at Washington, and was instrumental in pushing the Sixers to acquire him in the 2019 draft. A deal would likely require a third team if Philadelphia’s goal is to save money under the tax, but the Bulls would be a strong suitor if Thybulle is available.”<cite>Sean Deveney of Heavy</cite></blockquote>

NBA Trade Rumors: Bulls turn attention to Matisse Thybulle of 76ers - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA Trade Rumors: Bulls turn attention to Matisse Thybulle of 76ers

Despite its current and long-term popularity, the NBA was not always such a big draw for sports fans. Many of the league’s early games were played in high school gyms in front of audiences of hundreds or even dozens of people. If they were lucky, they stayed in shabby motels or buses. The NBA was starting to rise in popularity to the level that NFL, NHL, and MLB were at the time. Still, the audiences weren’t quite as large as those who attended the other main sporting events.



The NBA really took off in the 1980s owing to two players: Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. Los Angeles Lakers headed by Magic and the blue-collar Boston Celtics led by Bird were well-known rivalries in the NBA, and the league had a knack for promoting them. Since Michael Jordan‘s arrival in 1984, attendance at games has skyrocketed, and the league’s popularity has grown tremendously as a result. There have only been a few decreases in attendance since then, but overall, the number of people attending NBA games is steadily on the upward.



The loudness and shouts of the audience make every sporting event more thrilling, and they also encourage the teams to perform at their best. The NBA has a long and illustrious history, ranking among the most illustrious in professional sports, but they didn’t get to where they are now without putting in a lot of effort. In over 80 years of existence, the league has experienced numerous astounding milestones that indicate both how large and how little the league has grown to become. The amount of spectators during games is something that is more prevalent in other sports, such as football or soccer.



<h2>The largest attendance game in NBA history</h2>



Atlanta Hawks vs Chicago Bulls on March 27, 1998, at Atlanta Motor Speedway was the NBA’s most-watched regular-season game ever. Prior to constructing a new arena, the Hawks played their home games in the Omni Coliseum. There were a record-breaking 62,046 spectators in attendance to watch His Airness Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls faced a battle against the Atlanta Hawks in that contest.



Chicago Bulls coach Phil Jackson had not resigned, therefore Michael Jordan was hesitant to return for another season. As a result, everyone in the United States wanted to see the greatest player of all time before he retired. On that occasion, Jordan made his last trip to the Georgia Dome that season.



However, official records from the Guinness Book of World Records state that the NBA All-Star Game, held at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Texas, USA, on February 14, 2010, had a record-breaking audience of 108,713 fans. Even though the All-Star game is neither a regular-season nor a playoff game, some believe that it should be included here since it is organized by the NBA. The East triumphed, 141–139, and Dwyane Wade was voted MVP.

Chicago Bulls