Baynes signs big NBA deal with Detroit

Patty Mills has congratulated his former San Antonio Spurs teammate and compatriot Aron Baynes on his big NBA contract with the Detroit Pistons.

San Antonio Spurs forward Aron Baynes

The Detroit Pistons have signed Australian big man Aron Baynes to a reported $US20 million deal. (AAP)

The Detroit Pistons have signed Australian big man Aron Baynes to a reported $US20 million deal.

Baynes spent the past three seasons at the San Antonio Spurs, winning the NBA title alongside fellow Australian Patty Mills last year.

Baynes, in a tweet, thanked the "Spurs family" on Thursday and declared: "Motor City!!"

"Appreciate the support over the last three years," Baynes wrote.

"I loved my time and will always remember the great team and community."

The three-year, $US20 million ($A26.19 million) contract is a big pay rise for the New Zealand-born, Queensland-raised Baynes who earned $US2 million ($A2.62 million) last season with the Spurs.

The Spurs used the 28-year-old 208cm at centre and forward in which he averaged seven points, five rebounds in 70 games in 2014/15.

The Pistons haven't fared well in the weak Eastern Conference in recent seasons, but Baynes says the team is on the way up.

"I'm really excited to have the opportunity to play with Detroit," Baynes told Basketball Australia (BA).

"I can't wait to work with the great coaches and players already at the club.

"We are going to surprise some people."

Baynes' agent said the deal was just reward.

"Aron has come a long way in the last few years," Daniel Moldovan told BA.

"He had a great experience with a first class organisation in San Antonio and this is another exciting step in his career.

"I'm happy that he is being rewarded for all his hard work and dedication."

The Spurs are pursuing the marquee free agent LaMarcus Aldridge, who is expected to not return to the Portland Trail Blazers.

There are reports if the Spurs do snare Aldridge the team could deal Mills and some other Spur bench players to clear salary space for Aldridge's big contract.

Mills sent Baynes a tweet congratulating him on the Pistons deal and promised to send him some of San Antonio's famous barbecue "whenever you miss it".


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Source: AAP


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