The Boston Celtics could be in a difficult position with Aaron Baynes’ free agency
The Boston Celtics are going to be in an interesting position when free agency starts. They know that there are certain issues that need to be addressed, but money is going to be difficult to figure out.
Marcus Smart feels like the priority right now, and that could end up eating most of the cap space that they are able to play with. The problem, however, is that Smart is not the only player people want back with the team, because Aron Baynes is also a free agent.
Keep in mind, Baynes was a starter for the majority of last season, and was absolutely crucial to some of their best defense. His traditional size was incredibly valuable, and the Celtics do not have anyone else that is capable of replacing that kind of impact.
Normally, Baynes would feel like an easy option to bring back, even if he is just coming off the bench. With the Celtics, however, things get more complicated. Baynes was good enough last season to get some sort of a raise on the free market, and that might already put him past what the Celtics can afford.
More from Hardwood Houdini
- Boston Celtics’ two-way contract decision will be made after training camp
- Proposed trade sends Boston Celtics playoff killer to the Cs from rival
- ‘Face of Germany’s stunning run’ in FIBA World Cup not the only ex-Boston Celtics player to win gold
- Proposed Boston Celtics trade target pitched for reunion with fired coach
- Battle For Banner 18: Will Boston Celtics battle historical foe in 2024 Finals?
On top of that, there is reason to question whether or not the Celtics even want a traditional big like Baynes. The Celtics are embracing as much versatility as possible, and they have Robert Williams to try and bring that impact, while being agile enough to stay on the outside.
Baynes was incredibly valuable, but he still limited certain lineups in particular ways. The Celtics were always solid with Baynes, but he held them back from being their best in certain ways.
First of all, the Celtics need to figure out if they can afford Baynes. If that is the case, it feels like he should have a role off the bench. Even if it is not their focus, the Celtics could benefit from having that kind of option, even if he is just used in certain situations.
If Baynes is just used in certain situations coming off the bench, the amount of money they will be willing to give him will plummet, and probably will not be much more than a veteran minimum. The problem is that Baynes was worth a lot mroe than that last year, and at least one team with plenty of space will probably recognize that.
We also know that Baynes wants to return to Boston. He was embraced by this team and was a real part of their identity. He wants to be a part of what this team is building, and that could end up helping in negotiations.
Next: Boston Celtics getting help overseas
The Celtics still have important decisions to make in free agency, and Baynes needs to be one of the primary focuses, because what they decide to do with him could end up being one of the final roster decisions for this team.