Boston Celtics: “Pass or Pursue” on 3 recently rumored targets
By Mark Nilon
Rumored Boston Celtics target No. 2) Aron Baynes
Of late, we’ve seen the likes of Aron Baynes pop up often on lists involving realistic players the Boston Celtics could pursue with their MLE during this upcoming free-agency period.
In fact, Bleacher Report went on to place the Australian center atop of the free-agent big board for the shamrocks.
"Though Boston has plenty of bigs on the docket—Kanter, Theis, Grant Williams, Robert Williams III—the mini MLE figures to net a higher-caliber center than guard. Aron Baynes is on the loftier end of the spectrum but may not be totally out of reach. The Phoenix Suns needn’t spend a boatload to keep him with Deandre Ayton in tow, and it’s tough to pinpoint another team that might offer him the non-taxpayer mid-level exception."
As we’re sure you’re aware, Baynes spent two seasons in Beantown from 2017-2019. While his tenure with the franchise didn’t necessarily produce eye-popping numbers (5.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and just over half a block) it was his most recent campaign with the Phoenix Suns that proves he could be a lot more than just a role player should he opt to come back to Boston.
Through 42 games (28 starts) the 33-year-old posted career highs of 11.5 points and 5.6 rebounds while shooting 48 percent from the floor and 38 percent from deep (four attempts per game).
Familiarity with Brad Stevens’ system, his much-improved ability to space the floor, and his menacing physique (6-10, 260-pounds) all point to attributes the Cs could seriously use within their rotation moving forward.
Add in the fact that he could realistically be had for the MLE and you have a no-brainer pursuit should you have the roster space.