2018 NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal so far
Aron Baynes: 2 years, $11 million (Boston Celtics)
Even after snagging perhaps the steal of the draft in big man Robert Williams, the Boston Celtics needed depth at the center spot, rebounding and interior toughness. Re-signing Aron Baynes was a priority, and by agreeing to a two-year, $11 million deal, they got one of the best bargains in free agency so far.
Baynes is nothing flashy, but he’s not afraid to be physical, take a charge or do the dirty work down low to take some of the burden off Al Horford. Last season in Boston, he averaged 6.0 points and 5.4 rebounds in 18.3 minutes per game. He also emerged as a stretch-5 in the playoffs, canning 11 of his 23 3-pointers (47.8 percent) in 19 games.
Whether that small sample size efficiency is sustainable remains to be seen, but at only $5.5 million a season, it’s more than worth it to find out. Even if that extended heat check proves to be nothing more than a mirage, Danny Ainge got great value here.
Bourguet Grade: A
Hoops Habit Grade: A