Golden State Warriors: 5 free agency targets for 2020-21

1. Aron Baynes

Aron Baynes epitomizes what the Warriors need most: an unselfish big man willing to grab rebounds, block shots, and get physical around the rim.

At 6’10”, 260 pounds, Baynes is a ball of pure Australian muscle. Though he’s ditched the man bun, he’s as tough and intimidating of an NBA player as it gets.

Baynes’ career averages are unflattering, to say the least. He’s averaged just 6.0 points and 4.5 rebounds per game across eight seasons. But, he also plays just 15.8 minutes per game. When we consider that, his averages aren’t too bad.

With an expanded role, a role the Warriors could very well offer, who knows how Baynes could flourish. Just this year, playing 22.2 minutes per game, Baynes is averaging 11.5 points and 5.6 rebounds, both career highs. Granted, he does play for the Phoenix Suns, but he competes for playing time with five other big men, including Deandre Ayton and Dario Šarić.

And though Baynes is infamously known for getting dunked on, that’s exactly what the Warriors should love about him.

As the league’s unofficial most posterized player, he’s not afraid nor worried to get put on a highlight reel. He is willing to sacrifice his body at all costs to protect the rim, oftentimes in moments when a player blows by his teammate on their way to a posterizing finish over him.

He’ll take a knee to the chest, and elbow to the nose and the ensuing staredown from an opposing player. So long he makes his defensive presence in and around the paint clear.

As a Warrior, Baynes could be the starting center and provide exactly what they need: a veteran who brings a tough, physical presence to the table, all for $8 million per year, at the most.