The Spurs, with Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green locked up, appear to be going all-in for LaMarcus Aldridge.
They traded Tiago Splitter to the Hawks, clearing cap room. They need to keep that open for Aldridge and likely Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili.
So, if you want Aron Baynes, this is the time to strike.
Apparently, the Pistons really wanted Baynes.
Marc Stein of ESPN:
ESPN sources say Pistons have struck verbal agreement w/Aron Baynes to sign C away from Spurs on three-year deal (player option after YR 2)
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 2, 2015
Hearing that the Aron Baynes deal with Detroit is along the lines of Brandan Wright's new pact with Memphis and could rise as high as $20M
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 2, 2015
Brandan Wright’s deal with the Grizzlies is probably worth about $17 over three years. So, we’re obviously dealing with imprecise figures here.
But no matter how you slice it, that’s a lot for Baynes.
Baynes is coming off a career year, averaging 6.6 points and 4.5 rebounds in 16.0 minutes per game. He can make mid-range jumpers, and he rebounds well. He’ll be a solid backup center to Andre Drummond.
But Baynes is already 28 and not very athletic. It’s hard to see much upside. Plus, he probably benefited from the Spurs’ system in ways he won’t in Detroit.
This is an overpay – not a crippling one, but an overpay nonetheless.