The Toronto Raptors this past Wednesday, November 25 signed free agent center Aron Baynes to a multi-year contract.
Per multiple reports, Baynes’ contract with the Raptors is a two-year deal for around $14.3 million.
Listed at 6-foot-10, 260 pounds, Baynes averaged career highs of 11.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 22.2 minutes in 42 games (28 starts) playing for the Phoenix Suns last season. He shot .480 (183-381) from the floor, a career-best .351 (59-168) from three-point range and .747 (56-75) at the free throw line. Baynes scored 20 or more points seven times, including a career-high 37 points (12-23 FG, 9-14 3PT, 4-4 FT) March 6 vs. Portland, and posted three double-doubles.
According to the Toronto Star, Baynes “does not have the pedigree of either [Serge] Ibaka or [Marc] Gasol but he is a serviceable big man on a team that will be led by a core of Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby and Norm Powell.”
In 469 NBA games (137 starts) with San Antonio (2012-15), Detroit (2015-17), Boston (2017-19) and Phoenix (2019-20), Baynes owns career averages of 6.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 15.8 minutes. He is shooting .495 (1109-2239) from the field and .327 (84-257) from beyond the arc. Baynes has made 80 threes over the last two seasons after making just four in his first six NBA seasons combined.
More from the Star: “While Baynes won’t be a ball-dominant big man, his rim protection and toughness will be sorely needed on a smallish Toronto roster.”
