CELTICS TRADE BAYNES, FIRST-ROUNDER TO PHOENIX
The Phoenix Suns acquired center Aron Baynes and guard Ty Jerome from the Boston Celtics for a protected first-round draft pick in 2020.
What does it give the Phoenix Suns
The Suns used the pick in this deal to select a player they hope can become the team's new point guard in former Virginia floor leader Ty Jerome. In Baynes, Phoenix gets a serviceable veteran backup center for starter DeAndre Ayton. It was first thought that the Suns may choose to buy Baynes out, but instead he will be kept in the fold for the time being.
What does it give the Boston Celtics
The Celtics were motivated to dump Baynes' contract and create a little more salary-cap space, so they included one of their first-rounders in this year's draft to move him to Phoenix. Boston will receive a protected first-round draft pick in 2020, which originally belonged to Milwaukee, to complete this transaction.
Fantasy impact
Baynes will not play a lot behind Ayton, an emerging star center, if he stays in Phoenix. His fantasy value is negligible at this time. Jerome could have value if he winds up starting for the Suns, though that still remains to be seen (Phoenix may opt to add a veteran free agent in support of Jerome).
Player focus
Boston Celtics
a protected first-round pick in the 2020 draft
