The Ringer: Suns’ Aron Baynes has a lot at stake when play resumes
Jul 13, 2020, 6:05 AM
Aron Baynes #46 of the Phoenix Suns points during the second half of the NBA game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 04, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the 76ers 114-109. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
When the NBA resumes inside the bubble at Walt Disney World later this month, Phoenix Suns center Aron Baynes will be playing for more than just a potential playoff spot with his team.
The 33-year-old big man will be entering his final games before hitting the free-agent market and was listed by Haley O’Shaughnessy of The Ringer as one of the players with the most at stake.
Baynes will be one of the most attractive veteran big men on the market and could benefit from a strong finish in the seeding games.
Baynes was traded to the Suns from the Boston Celtics a year ago and went on to average 11.5 points with 5.6 rebounds in 42 games prior to the season being halted in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
He also found his three-point shot while wearing the orange and purple, sporting a career-high 2.3 triples per game at a 35% clip.
Baynes was valued in Boston as a sturdy defender, but Phoenix expanded his role to unpredictable lengths. (Isn’t that what Brad Stevens is known for?)
It isn’t clear what his payday could look like due to the impact the pandemic has had on the sport as a whole, but O’Shaughnessy in the article said she believes money will still be available for teams with cap space looking to spend it.
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Other players at Baynes’ position that O’Shaughnessy listed in the article as those with the most at stake heading into free agency include Montrezl Harrell of the Los Angeles Clippers, Paul Millsap of the Denver Nuggets and Serge Ibaka of the Toronto Raptors.
Baynes figures to share playing time with Deandre Ayton when play resumes against the Washington Wizards on July 31.
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