The Boston Celtics got Aron Baynes in what could end up being the best contract in free agency
The Boston Celtics have made just one move since free agency began, but it still might be one of the best we have seen. They were never going to get a top tier max contract free agent, so they settled for what could easily end up being the best value for any contract.
Aron Baynes was a starter on a conference finals team, and one of the strongest defenders in the NBA. We was a part of the identity of the team, and did more than enough to earn a decent pay day.
Despite all that, the negotiations could not have gone smoother, there were no obstacles and they have him locked up for two years for a total of $11 million. Who knows what Baynes could have fetched on the open market, but there is no doubt that the Celtics got tremendous value there.
When you have sixth men like Fred VanVleet getting $18 million over two years, and middle of the pack role players like Doug Mcdermott getting $22 million over three years, it feels like Baynes could have been in line for a much more significant pay day.
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Free agents are not getting absurd contracts this offseason, and the Celtics had good leverage on Baynes, because of how many front court options they have. The bottom line is that Baynes deserved to get paid for what he accomplished last season, and he was one of the most important defenders on the best defense in the NBA.
There is no doubt that the Celtics will use him, even if they like to go with more small ball options. With Baynes, there is more trust than almost anyone else on this roster, and the stability he brings alone makes him worth more than what they are paying him,
These kind of contracts are a big reason why the Celtics are in such a great position. They have not overpaid at any point in the rebuild, and continue to find these kind of gems. This also gives the Celtics more freedom with Marcus Smart‘s potential contract, while not necessarily having to worry about the luxury tax right now.
Even if the Celtics do not bring Smart back, this kind of value makes a huge difference to a team that already knows they have multiple players that will need to be paid in the near future.
It may be hard for Baynes to maintain a role close to what he had last season, but there is little doubt that Brad Stevens will find a way to use him. Neither side hesitated when getting this contract done, and that means both sides understand what can be brought to the table.
With Baynes’ play, there is little risk, because he is solid in everything he tries to do. This contract is also no risk, because it is almost impossible to get contributors with that kind of value, and the Celtics know they got starting quality play coming off their bench for just pennies.
Next: Marcus Smart a free agency priority
Everything came together quickly and effectively with Baynes and the Celtics, and he will be an important piece in maintaining continuity from a special season, with all kinds of extra talent coming in.