Aussie Aron Baynes’ deal with NBA’s Boston done

Australian centre Aron Baynes’ move to NBA heavyweights Boston Celtics has been confirmed.

Australian big man Aron Baynes has joined the legendary Boston Celtics

Australian centre Aron Baynes’ move to NBA heavyweights Boston has been confirmed.

The 30-year-old has officially been unveiled by last season’s Eastern Conference finalists, after two years in Detroit.

Baynes decided to walk away from the $US6.5 million ($8.6m) player option he had with the Pistons, becoming an unrestricted free agent and testing the NBA market.

Rio Olympian Baynes, who won the NBA championship with San Antonio in 2014, averaged five points and more than four rebounds from 15.5 minutes a game in 2016-17.

“I think being in the NBA, everyone always wants to play more,” he said at his introductory press conference in Boston.

“I think if you don’t want to play more then you’re not in the right spot, so I’m excited for the opportunity and hopefully I can go out there and own some minutes.”

Baynes is looking forward to “being a piece that brings that puzzle together” in Boston and will have a familiar face in Marcus Morris to assist his transition.

“I’m excited to play with Marcus again,” Baynes said.

“The guy is a professional both on and off the court. He’s got a great work ethic and I love the way he plays.

“We look forward to bringing some extra toughness combined with us.”

Baynes will play with the Celtics’ big off-season recruit Gordon Hayward, who has starred for Utah over past seasons alongside Australians Joe Ingles and Dante Exum.

The Celtics, who lost to LeBron James’ Cleveland in the playoffs, took highly-rated youngster Jayson Tatum at No 3 in the draft.

Meanwhile, veteran guard Manu Ginobili has joined Australian Patty Mills in re-signing with the San Antonio Spurs. The Argentinian posted a message on his Twitter account that he was re-signing with San Antonio for another season, which will be his 16th with the Spurs.

Ginobili averaged 7.5 points and 18.7 minutes per game last season. In 15 seasons with the Spurs, he ranks in the top five in franchise history in points (13,467), games (992), assists (3,835) and steals (1,349).

The 6-foot-6 guard will turn 40 on July 28 and has been a part of four of the Spurs’ five NBA championships.

A member of the famed three-player core with Tim Duncan and Tony Parker, Ginobili may be the most beloved member of the group.

His heart-on-his-sleeve approach stands out in a quiet Spurs culture and his flair for the dramatic has been an integral part of the Spurs’ success.

AAP