JULY 7: Baynes has formally signed his new contract with the Celtics, according to the NBA’s official transactions log.
JUNE 30: The Celtics have reached an agreement with free agent center Aron Baynes, reports Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports (Twitter link). According to Charania, Baynes will re-sign with Boston on a two-year, $11MM contract. The second year will be a player option, Charania adds (via Twitter).
A. Sherrod Blakely of NBC Sports Boston first reported several days ago that Baynes would likely stick with the Celtics as an unrestricted free agent.
Baynes, who was playing on a one-year, $4.33MM deal in 2017/18, averaged 6.0 PPG and 5.4 RPG in 81 regular season games (18.3 MPG) for the Celtics. The 31-year-old was also a key contributor in the postseason, flashing a newfound outside shot — after having made just four three-pointers over the course of his six NBA seasons, Baynes knocked down 11 of 23 three-point attempts in the playoffs.
Having initially signed Baynes during the 2017 offseason, the Celtics hold his Non-Bird rights this summer. Those rights would allow the team to offer a starting salary of up to $5,193,600, which is likely the route that Boston is taking. Using Baynes’ Non-Bird rights would allow the C’s to retain their mid-level exception for another move.
Baynes was the No. 41 free agent on our list of 2018’s top 50 free agents.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
I would have rather had smart, especially since you just drafted a big.
They should still be able to sign Smart since Boston should have his Bird Rights. This is a good signing for Boston and allows them to develop Robert Williams slowly. Can’t expect all the Celtics’ rookies to immediately come in and contribute at a high level. Plus depth is good.
I’ve seen amputees shoot better than Smart and his D is overrated he won’t win u a title
You can get both plus this move gives Williams ample time to develop and learn. Plus have you not watched Baynes? Baynes is the bruiser the team needs in the paint.
How is Danny doing it?
Great signing. What a bargain.
This is an absolute steal for Boston. Baynes is most likely moving to the bench next season with a fully healthy team, but he can provide immense value from the bench. He provides rebounding, defense, and has actually become a stretch 5. If he can stay the bruiser and rebounder that he is, Celtics 2nd unit just received a huge boost.
good signing
Cavs had a difficult time with Baynes on the floor during the playoffs. Good signing for the Cs.
Every team needs a Baynes. If he calls your number you’ll be sleeping with ice packs that night. Even if you are his superstar point guard teammate!