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The Phoenix Suns are currently embroiled in ongoing trade talks for Brooklyn Nets superstar Kevin Durant, and it may take some time to come to fruition because of the intricacies involved and the Nets front office’s unwillingness to budge from their trade demands.
It was previously reported that the Nets were looking for a major haul similar to that of the Utah Jazz in the Rudy Gobert trade that sent the French center to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
However, the Suns could also look towards a familiar face to shape up their frontcourt depth.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst revealed that NBA veteran Aron Baynes is preparing to make his comeback in the league by working out for teams this coming Friday, July 8 in Las Vegas.
Baynes’ comeback is a remarkable moment in his career after suffering numbness in his limbs and had to relearn how to walk after slipping and falling in the bathroom during the Tokyo Olympics.
Teams that are in need of help up front will likely be those most closely watching his workouts.
The Suns are one such team since they have already lost JaVale McGee to Western Conference rival Dallas Mavericks, while Deandre Ayton’s future with the ballclub remains uncertain amidst the Durant rumors.
Bismack Biyombo has agreed to return to the Suns on a one-year, $2.9 million deal, and Baynes could become the third man on the Suns’ suddenly depleted frontcourt depth chart.
Baynes was part of the Suns during their undefeated run in the 2020 NBA Orlando Bubble before spending the 2020-21 season with the Toronto Raptors.
In Phoenix, he tallied career highs in points (11.5), rebounds (5.6) and assists (1.6) mainly because of the 25-game absence that Ayton was handed after testing positive for a diuretic.
Working best as a floor-spacing big man, Baynes’ skillset can be utilized to perfection by head coach Monty Williams as a third-option behind Ayton and Biyombo.
There will surely be a competition among teams as they try to box out each other to acquire Baynes, but the Suns could have an edge over the rest since they have history with the player and are in prime position to contend for an NBA title–with or without Durant.
Barring any setbacks, Baynes will be returning to the NBA this season and the only question for him is which team he joins.
Aron Baynes #46 of the Phoenix Suns reacts after making a basket against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on October 30, 2019 in San Francisco, California.
Photo: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
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