Multiple playoff teams are hoping to sign Aron Baynes in free agency, league sources tell Zach Harper of The Athletic. The big man is coming off perhaps his best season as a pro, despite being limited by health issues in the bubble and not getting a chance to contribute to the Suns‘ 8-0 summer run.
While Harper hears that the Suns have plenty of interest in bringing back Baynes, John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 (Twitter link) predicts that the club will ultimately let Baynes, Frank Kaminsky, and Cheick Diallo walk. Gambadoro’s expectation is that Phoenix will be focusing on re-signing RFA forward Dario Saric to a multiyear deal.
Here’s more from around the West:
- The Timberwolves will officially be on the clock to make the No. 1 pick later tonight, assuming they don’t trade it. Chris Hine of The Star Tribune examines the importance of the pick for the franchise, while Jim Souhan of The Star Tribune makes the case for Minnesota drafting Anthony Edwards rather than LaMelo Ball.
- The Nuggets won’t be drafting for need tonight, according to president of basketball operations Tim Connelly, who says the club will target the best player available at No. 22. He added that there may not be any minutes available right away for that player. “If you’re a rookie in Denver next year, you’re probably not going to play,” Connelly said, per Alex Labidou of Nuggets.com. “When you do play, every minute, there’s going to be a lot of pressure on those minutes.”
- Western Union has renewed its multiyear jersey sponsorship ad agreement with the Nuggets, the team announced today in a press release.
Timberwolves are the type of franchise that would forfeit their 1st overall pick
Ha! We decline to select anyone in order to save money.
Don’t kick a team when we’re down :'(
Imagine if the nuggets sign Baynes & trade Garry Harris & Barton with a pick for Derozen??? Then again not every team is serious about making the finals/winning a chip…
Oh man! im so jacked for this crazy draft tonight!!! My Twolves better get #6 as well. Could turn the whole franchise around!
i’m right there with you, this is a pivotal draft for us. we can’t screw this one up too.
i would just love to see us trade culver and 17 for 6, pick haliburton, and were good to go
I’d be ok with Haliburton
But I’d rather have Toppin or Okoro at #6, because I think both could start right away.
They are not that dumb
If i am the MIN GM – Im taking Ball at #1 to be the PG of the future. Move DLo to the 2. Trade for ATL #6 and take Toppin to play the 4. This puts Beasley and Hernangomez on the bench, where they can make a big difference in bench scoring, and possibly turn this team around in one year. (If Toppin is gone at #6, then Onyeka)
Or if they keep #17 they should hope that Isiaih Stewart is still available.
Suns should sign Saric. Others can walk. They can sign a backup center in FA. Maybe CP3 could help WC Stein finally see the light. He made Jordan in LA. Probably get him for minimum.
TWolves don’t take Edwards. They will trade out. They should be able to get a nice deal. Wiseman can change a Franchise. I’m sure they will get offers.
Im ok with Wiseman at #1. Keep him or trade him. I still like Wiseman at #1