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Detroit Pistons: Backup center trade targets

By Steven Bryant

MILWAUKEE, WI - MAY 8: Aron Baynes #46 of the Boston Celtics plays defense against Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during Game Five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on May 8, 2019 at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - MAY 8: Aron Baynes #46 of the Boston Celtics plays defense against Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during Game Five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on May 8, 2019 at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MILWAUKEE, WI – MAY 8: Aron Baynes #46 of the Boston Celtics plays defense against Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during Game Five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on May 8, 2019 at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI – MAY 8: Aron Baynes #46 of the Boston Celtics plays defense against Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during Game Five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on May 8, 2019 at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Aron Baynes

A reunion with Aron Baynes might be a situation both sides can agree to. Baynes, who played the last two seasons with the Boston Celtics, was traded to the Pheonix Suns this offseason (which also means he can’t be traded again until the middle of December). Baynes spent two seasons with Detroit, averaging 5.6 points-per-game and 4.5 rebounds-per-game.

What’s valuable about Baynes isn’t his scoring or his rebounding, but his defensive presence. Baynes carried a 102.2 defensive rating as he anchored the bench unit’s defense, the third-best rating on a Celtics team that ranked seventh in the league for defensive rating. His 16 minutes-per-game also make him an ideal backup.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9ccBapxJuE

To acquire Baynes’s $5.4 million contract would require the moving of Langston Galloway’s $7.3 million contract. Both players are on expiring deals which could also factor into any sort of movement.

If Detroit sees itself in a prime position to fight for the East, getting a defensive backup center in a conference riddled with dominant big men could also be worth giving up a few second-round picks as well. The Suns would be getting a decent guard in return.

Baynes has crafted his playstyle into a more well-rounded, team-friendly one. He’s always been a strong, screen-setting big man, but now he’s added some range to his game. He more than doubled his career three-point attempts making 21-of-61 last season. Compared to 28 total attempts over the previous six seasons.

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