Bulls’ Paxson Retires After 11-Year Career

John Paxson, a key part of three Chicago Bulls’ championship teams, announced his retirement Monday, ending an 11-year NBA career.

Paxson, a 1983 graduate of Notre Dame, was signed as a free agent by the Bulls in 1985. He was a third-round draft pick of the San Antonio Spurs.

Paxson, who appeared in 772 regular-season games and 119 playoff games for the Bulls, is best remembered for making a three-point shot with 3.9 seconds left in Game 6 of the 1993 finals. The shot ensured the Bulls of a victory over the Phoenix Suns and a third consecutive NBA championship.

Paxson said he will remain with the Bulls as a radio commentator, work with the team’s guards, attend coaching meetings and learn the workings of the front office.

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The Lakers and Phoenix Suns are discussing a trade that would send former Cal State Fullerton standout Cedric Ceballos back to Southern California.

Laker Sedale Threatt is a top candidate to be traded because he can also be a backup point guard, one of the Suns’ needs, and is close to Ceballos in salary. Ceballos, a small forward, will make $2.1 million in 1994-95, but the Lakers’ best slot under the salary cap is $1.75 million. He could agree to give back the $350,000 to help the deal, although that cannot happen before Friday because of a salary cap technicality.