Boston Celtics: 4 buyout candidates Cs should consider pursuing

By Mark Nilon | Jan 15, 2021

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Boston Celtics (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

Boston Celtics buyout target No. 3) Aron Baynes

A player close to Celtics fans’ hearts, Aron Baynes is having a rough go at things in Toronto after nabbing himself a two-year, $14 million contract this offseason after having a career year with the Phoenix Suns in 2019-20.

Averaging 11.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and half a block per game on 48 percent shooting from the floor and 35 percent shooting from deep, the 34-year-old was seen as a sound big-bodied replacement for Marc Gasol at the pivot for this still high-aspiring Raptors squad.

However, through 10 games, Baynes has only seen action on seven separate occasions, with most recently seeing a DNP as a result of a coach’s decision.

On the surface, the center’s underwhelming averages of 5.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per game on 38 percent shooting from the field may make you question why he finds himself on this list at all. However, keep in mind that Toronto as a whole is struggling mightily to start the season and Baynes’ talents are best served with maintaining a lead or staying in a close game rather than when playing catch-up.

Familiarity with Brad Stevens’ system coupled with the team’s need for added talent up front make Aron Baynes an optimal buyout target should he be cut loose by the Raptors.

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