The Pistons began planning for Baynes’ departure last summer, when the club
signed Boban Marjanovic to a three-year, $21 million contract. Marjanovic
primarily worked as the third-string center until the final few games of the
season, when Baynes was phased out of the rotation as the Pistons looked to
assess their longer-term assets. Baynes, who averaged 4.9 points and 4.4
rebounds in 15.5 minutes per game over 75 appearances last season, isn’t likely
to find a starting role no matter where he lands, but he should see a decent
spike in salary given the rising cap and weak market for reserve centers.