Boston send Baynes to Phoenix

The Boston Celtics shipped Aron Baynes to the dismal Phoenix Suns in a surprise NBA Draft night deal yesterday.

Aron Baynes in Boston Celtics strip this year.

The Boston Celtics shipped Aron Baynes to the dismal Phoenix Suns in a surprise NBA Draft night deal while young Australian trio William McDowell-White, Harry Froling and Matur Maker were left on the shelf.

Despite going undrafted, McDowell-White’s NBA dream remains alive.

The 21-year-old guard from Brisbane, who had a short stint with the Sydney Kings and played in Germany the past two years, has agreed to play NBA Summer League with the Houston Rockets, Fox Sports reported.

Froling, the NBL’s reigning rookie of the year after a strong season with the Adelaide 36ers, is remaining positive, saying he didn’t “need sympathy” and described the draft snub as “another step in the journey”.

“Stay tuned for what’s next to come,” the 211cm tall, 21-year-old posted on Twitter. “Up from here.”

Maker, the younger brother of the Detroit Pistons’ Australian centre Thon Maker, is also expected to attract invites to join NBA Summer League teams.

The New Orleans Pelicans had the top pick of the draft and did not surprise when they selected 18-year-old Duke University sensation Zion Williamson.

Boston’s move to dump Baynes came as the storied franchise attempts to clear salary space to attract a top free agent, with reports they have their eye on Orlando Magic centre Nikola Vucevic.

Baynes had the option of becoming a free agent, but last week agreed to take up the final year of his contract with the Celtics for $US5.9 million ($8.5m).

The Suns, the worst team in the Western Conference last season with a 19-win, 63-loss record.

AAP