Spurs Working To Sign Aron Baynes

Earlier today, we passed along overseas reports suggesting that the Spurs were close to signing Australian big man Aron Baynes to a multiyear deal. According to ESPN.com's Marc Stein (Twitter links), no deal is done yet, but San Antonio is indeed working to complete a buyout for Baynes and sign him.

Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress.com reports (via Twitter links) that the contract will be for four years, with the first two years worth about $750K each, and the last two (both team options) worth $2MM each. It's not exactly clear how such a deal would be constructed, since the Spurs have no cap space, and only $500K left in mid-level money. We'll have to wait until a contract is finalized before learning the exact financial breakdown.

Baynes spent four years at Washington State before graduating in 2009. He has spent the last few seasons playing overseas and is currently the Euroleague's top rebounder, according to Givony (via Twitter). The 26-year-old is a project, but represents an inexpensive option with upside for the Spurs.

A Baynes signing would signal the end of the road for DeJuan Blair in San Antonio, tweets Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld. Blair is in the last year of his deal with the Spurs, and the team has been exploring potential trades involving him since June. Still, the Spurs have an open roster spot at the moment, so a corresponding roster move wouldn't be necessary if and when the club signs Baynes.