Thunderous Intentions
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NBA Free Agency: Aron Baynes well suited for OKC Thunder

By Jordan Buckamneer

BOSTON, MA - MAY 27: Aron Baynes #46 of the Boston Celtics is introduced before Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics on May 27, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 27: Aron Baynes #46 of the Boston Celtics is introduced before Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics on May 27, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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At this point, all signs seem to Baynes signing a more long-term deal with Boston. In addition to him being committed the Celtics, he will likely be getting a fairly sizable pay raise. With both of those factors in mind, it’s hard to see him going to OKC. But it would be worth Sam Presti’s time to at least extend an offer.

Baynes would provide a much better option off the bench than Dakari Johnson, who has found it difficult to earn playing time. He would also provide relief to the smaller lineup Billy Donovan turns to which features an undersized Jerami Grant at the four and Patrick Patterson at the five.

For this to work, however, Presti would have to make room. Since Baynes is no longer a player who will sign for the minimum, Presti would have to find someone willing to take a guy like Patterson or Kyle Singler. Oklahoma City is already well over the salary cap even without Paul George, so a player or two would have to go.

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