Suns center Aron Baynes has cleared the NBA’s medical protocols after contracting COVID-19 and has been given the go-ahead to travel, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic, who reports (via Twitter) that Baynes is set to arrive at the Walt Disney World campus later today.
[RELATED: Aron Baynes reveals he tested positive for COVID-19]
Once he gets to Disney World, Baynes will have to quarantine for two days, returning a pair of negative coronavirus tests before he’s cleared to join the Suns for practices. If he can get up to speed quickly, he could still suit up for the team’s first seeding game on Friday vs. Washington.
The Suns are currently six games out of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, with four other non-playoff teams ahead of them in the standings. As such, the odds of Phoenix capturing that No. 8 seed are slim.
Still, with unrestricted free agency looming this summer, Baynes has some incentive to show that he’s healthy and productive to finish the season. He has enjoyed a career year so far, averaging 11.5 PPG, 5.6 RPG, and 1.6 APG with a .351 3PT% — all of those numbers are career highs. The veteran big man also filled in admirably in the starting five when Deandre Ayton served a 25-game suspension early in the season.
How much do we think Ayton makes per year on the open market and what teams are the best fits?
As a solid veteran backup likely aspiring to play for a contender, I believe Toronto, Dallas, New Orleans, Golden State, LAC, and Miami could all be potential options.
Toronto is losing one if Ibaka or Gasol, while the Clippers could replace Harrell with a cheaper and more sizeable option. The Heat could use a true center and Dallas could use depth behind Powell, especially if he can’t recover from injury. His playing style fits the Warriors and would help space the floor. The Pelicans could use a veteran mentor for Hayes. Where do you think he ends up and for how long?
I dont think ayton is a vet. You prob mean aron
Indeed. Thanks for the correction
I think the celtics should look at a reunion. Old cap 15 mil. New cap 7.5 mil
I was actually contemplating them as well, but I wasn’t sure if anyone would take it seriously. Baynes could really help space the floor and ease Theis’ workload. He could also form a nice platoon with Kanter and improve the defense
I think kanter is a solid player and maybe rob williams will develop and mature more