Miami Heat: 3 free agents to consider this offseason

Miami Heat NBA free agency target No. 1: Aron Baynes

Amidst a season interrupted by various knee ailments, the league suspension and ultimately by acquiring Covid-19, Aron Baynes nonetheless managed to post career-best numbers across the board.

In 42 appearances, Baynes averaged 11.5 points and 5.6 rebounds in 22.2 minutes per game. And while he starred by posting 13.6 points and 6.7 rebounds in his 28 starts, the return from a league suspension by emerging star Deandre Ayton meant the 33-year-old was not able to maintain his impact as consistently as he would’ve liked.

Having just completed his eighth season in the league, Baynes’ emergence as a perimeter threat is sure to garner him plenty of attention around the league in the coming months. Having converted a total of just 25 attempts from long range in his first seven seasons combined, Baynes nailed 59 triples at a respectable 35.1 percent clip last season, a remarkable transformation.

This ascension culminated on Mar. 4 this past season when Baynes scored a career-high 37 points that included nine 3-pointers. Such was the accomplishment, Baynes joined James Harden as the only players in NBA history to record 37 points, 16 rebounds and nine triples in a regular season game, per Stathead.

At 6’10” and with the versatility to mix it up down low and on the perimeter at both ends of the floor, Baynes presents as an intriguing prospect as the Heat look to boost their roster. Having earned $5.5 million this past season, signing Baynes on a one-year deal at a similar rate would be more than reasonable for the Heat front office.

Given his versatility, experience and ability to both play alongside and backup Bam Adebayo, Aron Baynes presents as the most appealing of these under-the-radar free agents.