NBA 2019-20: 5 offseason moves that benefited teams
The 2019 offseason was one of the most hectic in recent history as a significant proportion of the NBA's best players hit free agency. Within days of free agency opening, more than half of the leagues All-Stars had switched teams, and several teams also executed trades as they attempted to take advantage of the now apparent demise of the Golden State Warriors.
With nearly a quarter of the 2019-20 season now behind us, new signings have had plenty of time to settle in and make an impact for their new teams - and here we will take a look at the 5 offseason moves that benefited teams.
#5 Aron Baynes - Phoenix Suns
Following two successful seasons with the Boston Celtics, Aron Baynes was traded to the Phoenix Suns in return for a future first-round pick. Due to their emphasis on developing young players, the Suns were expected to buy out Baynes' contract, although despite interest from the Los Angeles Lakers, the Suns opted to keep him - and the veteran has profited from Deandre Ayton's 25-game suspension.
While Baynes has missed Phoenix's last five games through injury, the 32-year-old has averaged 14.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 24.0 minutes through 12 appearances. Baynes has also enjoyed big scoring nights against the Miami Heat and Lakers, and it is no coincidence that the Suns have won just one of their past five games without the veteran.
Ultimately, Phoenix didn't expect Baynes to have this kind of impact during the opening weeks of the season, although the Australian has taken full advantage of his starting opportunity, and is arguably the most underrated signing of the 2019 offseason.