Impressive Baynes to cash in as NBA contract looms

ARON Baynes is set to become the next Australian to sign a huge new NBA contract.

The big Queenslander, who becomes a free agent at the end of the season, has been outstanding in the Boston Celtics’ playoff finals run, shat- tering his former image as a one-dimensional bruiser around the basket. Baynes, 31, has become a deadly three-point shooter, an essential skill needed for a modern NBA big man.

“I’m always trying to expand my game and this day and age it is about creating space and what better way to do that than to try to step out there and knock down some shots,” Baynes said.

The 208cm forward/centre has connected with 10 of his 20 three-point shots in the post season, a better percentage than Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, James Harden, Kyle Korver and other sharp- shooters still left in the playoffs.

While Boomers’ teammates Joe Ingles and Patty Mills signed huge new multi-year contracts last year, Baynes was picked up by the Celtics for a thrifty one-year, $5.7 million deal.

Baynes will become an un- restricted free agent at the end of the season, giving him freedom to negotiate a new deal with Boston or another team.

The Australian, however, is focused on extending the Celtics’ 2-0 lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals. Game three is in Cleveland this weekend.