
<p><strong><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></strong> 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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<h2>3. Miami Heat</h2>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>When it comes to getting what he needs, <strong><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></strong> 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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<h2>1. Chicago Bulls</h2>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>


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


<p>The <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-top-3-most-likely-destinations-for-jordan-poole-in-case-of-warriors-exit-20230519-SPD-3646.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Phoenix Suns</a> </strong>took a bold move by dismissing head coach <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-top-3-most-likely-candidates-for-76ers-coach-coach-position-20230521-SPD-3650.html">Monty Williams</a></strong>. Since 2021, when he entered the league, no other coach has won more games than him in the NBA. This was before Kevin Durant joined the team.</p>



<p>The Suns tried to go all-in for a title this season by trading for star players, but they ultimately lost to Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets due to a lack of depth, injuries, and Deandre Ayton’s inconsistent play.</p>



<p>Williams’ departure from the Suns’ front office raises the question: who should take over as Devin Booker’s coach? Let’s examine the qualifications of three likely contenders.</p>



<h2>3. Mike D’Antoni</h2>



<p>Earlier in his career, Mike D’Antoni previously coached this squad. Despite several dubious rulings, the seven ‘seconds or less’ period is widely regarded as one of the finest in franchise history.</p>



<p>There’s no denying that the Suns have two of the league’s finest scorers in Devin Booker and Isaiah Thomas, and D’Antoni is one of the few coaches who might possibly get the most out of that duo. The problem of defense, however, will never go away.</p>



<h2>2. Mike Budenholzer</h2>



<p>To lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a championship a few seasons ago, Mike Budenholzer really prevailed against Williams.</p>



<p>Budenholzer was let go because he refused to make modifications in the playoffs, yet he is one of the greatest throughout the regular season and has won championships before.</p>



<h2>1. Nick Nurse</h2>



<p>The emergence of Nick Nurse as one of the league’s most reliable coaches came as somewhat of a surprise. He only had one losing season with the Toronto Raptors (when they were relocated to Tampa) before leading them to a title.</p>



<p>Nurse is really good at the tactical side of things. There are concerns about his leadership skills, especially with someone as strong-willed as Durant, but he is a top-tier strategist who could be able to breathe new life into the desert.</p>


NBA: Top 3 most likely candidates for Suns head coach position - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA: Top 3 most likely candidates for Suns head coach position


<p>Once upon a time, there was a legitimate point of contention about whether <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-teams-in-2022-23-nba-season-so-far-20221210-SPD-3243.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carmelo Anthony</a></strong> or <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/how-many-records-does-lebron-james-hold-complete-list-of-the-forwards-records-in-nba-20230208-SPD-3383.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a></strong> should be the first choice in the NBA Draft. But the veteran has been out of action for some time now.</p>



<p>As impressive as Anthony’s career was, he appears to have been overlooked at every turn. However, when you least expect it, the 38-year-old forward may come tearing out of the tunnel.</p>



<p>As <em>SportsNet New York</em>‘s Ian Begley put it, “something to keep an eye on” is whether or if the Phoenix Suns contemplate adding Anthony to their roster. Let’s examine which squads might profit most from his presence.</p>



<h2>3. New York Knicks</h2>



<p>Carmelo Anthony’s return to the MSG court has been anticipated for years. His departure from the New York Knicks was a sour one, and it has even been suggested that Phil Jackson treated him wrong and made him the scapegoat.</p>



<p>Melo deserves more from the Knicks, who have the chance to re-sign him for the rest of the season. They are on the cusp of playoff contention and could use a seasoned veteran’s clutch shooting and playmaking abilities.</p>



<h2>2. Miami Heat</h2>



<p>When the trade deadline approached, Pat Riley was unable to improve his team’s squad. Even if he signed Kevin Love off the buyout market, he still has some fixing up to do in Miami.</p>



<p>Although Carmelo Anthony is no longer an All-Star level player, he may assist relieve some offensive pressure on Tyler Herro and Jimmy Butler if the Miami Heat were to sign him this summer.</p>



<h2>1. Phoenix Suns</h2>



<p>NBA superstar Kevin Durant wants his club to sign Carmelo Anthony, and he generally gets what he wants. That seems to have been the case in Brooklyn, at least.</p>



<p>Carmelo and Chris Paul are good pals. To everyone’s delight, the duo should be able to go out on top, thus it’s fitting that the Phoenix Suns are now the favorites to win the NBA title.</p>


NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for free agent Carmelo Anthony - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for free agent Carmelo Anthony

destacadas


<p>There comes a moment every year when this happens. The <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-centers-in-2022-23-nba-season-20221124-SPD-3193.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2022-23 NBA season</a></strong> started on October 18. The Golden State Warriors are seeking to add to their dynasty by winning a fifth championship in eight seasons. The Los Angeles Clippers, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the drama-filled Brooklyn Nets are just a few of the clubs attempting to end their championship drought.</p>



<p>It’s for this reason that the game is played, even though some teams have more reasonable expectations than others. There are established powerhouses this season, but there are also promising young squads like the New Orleans Pelicans and the Cleveland Cavaliers.</p>



<p>We have ranked the league’s top clubs as of now based on their early season performance and their overall record from the previous year’s context. These are the three best teams in the NBA right now.</p>



<h2>3. Phoenix Suns</h2>



<p>The Phoenix Suns have gotten off to a good start this season, despite all the controversy and commotion they endured this summer leading up to preseason. With the same nucleus of Devin Booker, DeAndre Ayton, Mikal Bridges, and Chris Paul, this team was two victories away from the NBA Finals two years ago. There was a club last year that won 64 games before losing in the playoffs. </p>



<p>The playoffs will be a better indicator of how good they really are, but for now, expect Devin Booker and company to keep piling up victories. While the team’s chemistry off the court remains questionable, they have shown they can play well together on it and win basketball games.</p>



<h2>2. Milwaukee Bucks</h2>



<p>It’s not unreasonable to think that the Milwaukee Bucks when at full strength, are one of the greatest teams in the NBA at the moment and maybe even the best in the East. Aside from PJ Tucker, the 2021 NBA Finals starting lineup still consists of Giannis Antetokounmpo and the rest of the championship team’s core players.</p>



<p>Although Giannis and Jrue Holiday have missed several games this season, the Bucks have had a strong start. While the impending return of Khris Middleton should give its opponents pause, the club may not be back to full strength until January.</p>



<h2>1. Boston Celtics</h2>



<p>Even though the Celtics were eliminated from NBA championship contention in six games by the Warriors last season, the team’s future seemed promising. With All-Stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown on the wings, plus the additions of Malcolm Brogdon and Danilo Gallinari in the summer, the Celtics seemed ready to take another step forward in the new NBA season.</p>



<p>There was some doubt that they could repeat their second-half dominance and Finals run from last year when Gallinari tore his ACL in Eurobasket play, starting center Robert Williams required another knee treatment, and head coach Ime Udoka was banned for the whole season. However, their performance so far this year has put such concerns to rest. There was no noticeable drop-off in play when Udoka was replaced by Joe Mazulla, and the Celtics have continued to perform well.</p>


Top 3 teams in 2022-23 NBA season so far

Top 3 teams in 2022-23 NBA season so far - thesportsdrops NEWS


<p>Following his excellent play for Germany at the 2022 EuroBasket,<strong> <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/i-made-the-playoffs-last-year-they-didnt-patrick-beverley-pokes-fun-at-new-teammates-lebron-james-and-anthony-davis-2706-20220907-SPD-2706.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dennis Schroder</a></strong> returns to the <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/bill-russells-no-6-jersey-retired-by-nba-the-last-players-to-wear-no-6-for-each-team-2510-20220812-SPD-2510.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a></strong>. After the playmaker departed the Lakers in 2021, everything went downhill for Schroder in the NBA. </p>



<p>A few months before the 2022 NBA Finals between the Celtics and the Warriors, the guard signed with Boston but was moved to Houston midway through the season. However, Schroder’s performance for Germany in the EuroBasket has garnered him a lot of attention. </p>



<p>The 29-year-old’s side advanced to the semi-finals because of his play, on average, of 21.6 points and 7.3 assists per game. When compared to the other four players who made it to the championship round, his point average was far and by the best.</p>



<h2>Schroder opted for Lakers over Raptors and Suns</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p>According to NBA source Shams Charania, who spoke with The Rally, Schroder chose the Lakers over the Toronto Raptors and the Phoenix Suns: “Dennis Schroder was deciding between a few teams, the Lakers, the Raptors as well as the Phoenix Suns, I’m told. But he decided to sign with the Lakers on a one-year, $2.6 million deal. A couple years ago, he played for the Lakers, he turned down a major extension. </p><p>“But now he returns and he brings competitiveness, more depth in their backcourt — and this is a guy that played at a very high level just now for Germany in EuroBasket, led them to the semifinals. And this is a guy that’s going to come into camp. He’s been to the playoffs in seven of his nine NBA seasons. So this is a guy that’s battle-tested. The last time the Lakers made the playoffs in 2021, Dennis Schroder was their starting point guard.”</p></blockquote>



<p>After signing with the Lakers, Schroder stated he was motivated to “put [explicit] right” and that it was a “honor” to represent Los Angeles in the NBA. Guard felt misunderstood and that “nobody truly knew the tale” about the strange circumstances surrounding his resignation from the Purple and Gold in 2021. The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly made an extension offer to Schroder worth up to $84 million for the 2020-21 season, but he turned it down.</p>


Dennis Schroder returns to Lakers after rejecting offers from Raptors and Suns - thesportsdrops NEWS

Dennis Schroder returns to Lakers after rejecting offers from Raptors and Suns


<p>The <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-deandre-ayton-and-pacers-agree-four-year-contract-suns-have-48-hours-to-match-2209-20220715-SPD-2209.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Phoenix Suns</a></strong> had been in the lottery for the better part of a decade before <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-warriors-rule-out-potential-kevin-durant-trade-2322-20220722-SPD-2322.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monty Williams</a></strong> became their head coach. His leadership transformed them into a legitimate contender in the NBA almost overnight. </p>



<p>He finished his first year with a perfect record in the Orlando area. His Suns went 64-20 and reached the second round before falling to the Dallas Mavericks, and he was named Coach of the Year for his efforts in both of those years. He’s done everything possible in his three years at the company except win a title. And the Suns have finally come to terms with it.</p>



<p>According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the 50-year-old agreed to a multi-year agreement with the Phoenix Suns. Williams had originally signed a five-year contract with the Suns, which is unusual for new hiring, and thus he still had two years remaining on his contract. </p>



<h2>Monty Williams to continue in Phoenix</h2>



<p>This extension of his contract should make him one of the highest-paid coaches in the NBA. Williams has had a significant effect on the Suns club, leading them to the 2021 NBA Finals and to a franchise record of 64 wins in the regular season last year.</p>



<p>The Suns finished last season tied for first with the 1969-70 New York Knicks as the only teams in NBA history to finish with a greater road win % than the sum of all other teams’ home win percentages. Since the introduction of the shot clock, the Suns have never lost a game while leading after three quarters.</p>


NBA News: Suns tie coach Monty Williams down to new long-term deal

NBA News: Suns tie coach Monty Williams down to new long-term deal - thesportsdrops NEWS


<p><strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-free-agency-nets-acquire-ex-pacers-duo-t-j-warren-and-edmond-sumner-2038-20220706-SPD-2038.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indiana Pacers</a> </strong>and <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-karl-anthony-towns-commits-to-new-four-year-224-million-supermax-deal-with-timberwolves-1935-20220701-SPD-1935.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Deandre Ayton</a></strong> have signed a four-year, $133 million max offer sheet, Ayton’s representative confirmed to <em>ESPN</em>. There will be a 48-hour window in which the <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-free-agency-jalen-brunson-agrees-four-year-104-million-deal-with-knicks-1947-20220702-SPD-1947.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Phoenix Suns</a></strong>, Ayton’s initial franchise, may decide whether or not to match the offer. </p>



<p>A few hours remain until the clock strikes midnight, so the Suns and Pacers may attempt to hammer out a sign-and-trade deal before he does so. Before, the Phoenix side had been reluctant to offer the 23-year-old a deal with the team’s highest salary cap.</p>



<p>It was claimed that he sought one after helping lead the Suns to the 2021 NBA Finals, but Phoenix did not think he was worth such an expensive deal. It was rumored that he sought one after helping lead the Suns to the 2021 NBA Finals, but Phoenix did not feel he was worth such an expensive deal, according to reports. </p>



<h2>Suns-Ayton: Is it over?</h2>



<p>To keep Ayton at this price point, they must either match the offer sheet or risk losing him for free. Once he signed the contract, he was left with no other choices. If they start the clock, they can no longer negotiate a sign-and-trade deal with Indiana or use Ayton as a signed-and-traded asset in discussions for Kevin Durant.</p>



<p>It will take until January 15, 2023, if Monty Williams’ roster want to trade Ayton rather than losing him for nothing, and even then, there are certain issues they will have to deal with. RFAs have the option of rejecting any trade for one year after their offer sheets are accepted, and they can’t be dealt to the club that signed them until that time has elapsed.</p>



<p></p>


NBA Rumors: Deandre Ayton and Pacers agree four-year contract; Suns have 48 hours to match - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA Rumors: Deandre Ayton and Pacers agree four-year contract; Suns have 48 hours to match


<p>Restricted free agent <strong><a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/which-is-the-most-valuable-nba-team-176-20220503-SPD-176.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Deandre Ayton</a></strong>‘s future with the <strong><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">Phoenix Suns</a></strong> is up in the air heading into the summer. </p>



<p>Prior to the start of the season, the Suns passed on signing rookie guard Deandre Ayton to a contract extension. </p>



<p>After more than a decade out of the luxury tax, Phoenix can match whatever deal Ayton signs in free agency, but doing so at the maximum amount he demands would put Phoenix into the tax for the first time in more than a decade.</p>



<h2>Why Deandre Ayton and Suns couldn’t agree on contract extension</h2>



<p>With Ayton entering the last year of his rookie contract, he’ll be a restricted free agency this summer after the Suns failed to sign him to either a rookie max extension or any other kind of extension at all.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p>“<em>We’re disappointed. We wanted a max contract. He went out and was a soldier the whole year, played well, improved his statistics. So, we’re proud of him. A lot of guys handle things differently, but he was very mature about it.&nbsp;Things will work out for Deandre. He’s a valuable player. There’s other teams in the league as well. He’s a restricted free agent, so we’ll see how this process unfolds.</em>“”””</p><cite>Deandre Ayton’s agent to <em>SiriusXM NBA Radio</em></cite></blockquote>


Phoenix Suns