The Atlanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons and Portland Trail Blazers are the three teams most often linked to a potential pursuit of Deandre Ayton in restricted free agency.

The Charlotte Hornets and San Antonio Spurs are also logical fits for Ayton.

The Phoenix Suns decided not to offer a five-year, $170 million max contract to Ayton last offseason and they also quietly gauged his trade value at the deadline. One structure that was discussed was with the Indiana Pacers for Domantas Sabonis.

Some around the league believe Monty Williams has been frustrated by Ayton's "waning focus" and has contributed to inconsistent playing time. 

The Suns may simply not view Ayton, or any center, as worth more than $30 million per season. Phoenix could then be amenable to a sign-and-trade for frontcourt help at a more affordable number. 

The NBA has announced that their NBA Paris Game will return for the 2023 season. The Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons will play each other on January 19, 2023 at the Accor Arena.

Chicago previously played two preseason contests in Paris in 1997. Detroit has played in two international regular season games in London in 2013 and Mexico City in 2019.

The game is expected to serve as a homecoming for Pistons guard Killian Hayes, who was born in France.

The last NBA regular season game played in Europe featured the Charlotte Hornets and Milwaukee Bucks on January 24, 2020.

The Orlando Magic have won the 2022 NBA Draft Lottery for the fourth time in franchise history. 

Some combination of Jabari Smith, Chet Holmgren and Paolo Banchero are expected to be the top-3 selections in the draft. ESPN's Jonathan Givony projects Smith going No. 1 to the Magic, followed by Holmgren to the Thunder, Banchero to the Rockets, Shaedon Sharpe to the Kings, and Keegan Murray to the Pistons. 

1. Magic

2. Thunder

3. Rockets

4. Kings

5. Pistons

6. Pacers

7. Blazers

8. Pelicans (via LAL)

9. Spurs

10. Wizards

11. Knicks

12. Thunder (via LAC)

13. Hornets

14. Cavaliers

Jalen Brunson may be the best player on the 2022 free agent market who may actually change teams. While the Dallas Mavericks continue to express confidence that they'll re-sign Brunson, they'll have competition for the point guard this summer.

The New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers are all expected to pursue Brunson.

New York has long been a fan of Brunson, and they have a need for a starting point guard. The Kemba Walker signing didn't work out, and Derrick Rose has been unable to stay healthy. The Knicks would have to work out a sign-and-trade for Brunson, as they do not project to have cap space in July.

The Pistons project to have the most available cap space this offseason. They reportedly like Brunson's fit next to Cade Cunningham in an on and off-ball role, similar to the one Brunson has had next to Luka Doncic.

Indiana has Brunson's former coach in Rick Carlisle. The Pacers are also expected to explore trades for Malcolm Brogdon, which would open up a backcourt spot for Brunson.