Phoenix Acquired Baynes and Jerome's Draft Rights
The Suns received Aron Baynes and the rights to Ty Jerome from Boston in July 2019, while the Celtics gained a future first-round selection and a trade exception. Phoenix wanted another experienced center to support its young lineup, and Jerome represented a guard prospect with draft-day potential. Boston prioritized flexibility rather than retaining Baynes, whose established NBA role had given the Celtics useful defensive and interior minutes. The move exchanged immediate rotation assets for future roster maneuvering.
Baynes Had a Real Impact With the Suns
Baynes became a useful Phoenix center during the 2019-20 season, offering screens, interior physicality and improved outside shooting. Jerome had a smaller NBA role, but the incoming package was not devoid of court value. That is important because Phoenix's inherited D grade looks severe alongside the actual contribution of Baynes. The trade did not produce a Suns championship or long-serving All-Star through these players. It did provide a productive veteran for a season, which needs to be counted rather than ignored.
Boston's Pick Later Became No. 30 Desmond Bane
The Celtics' incoming first-round asset was associated with the No. 30 selection used on Desmond Bane in the 2020 draft. The draft rights then changed hands, and Bane became a high-level NBA guard with a different franchise, not a Boston rotation player. His subsequent breakout cannot be credited directly to Boston's on-court return. The selection still had meaningful asset value because Boston could use it in later deals, and the trade exception offered a separate way to adjust the roster.
The Pick's Upside Contrasted With Phoenix's Immediate Help
Boston received a valuable future first and financial flexibility, while Phoenix got a veteran center capable of playing meaningful minutes plus a developing guard. The original Celtics advantage rewards the potential of a strong draft asset, but there is a legitimate qualification: Baynes played well for Phoenix and Bane's major career achievements came after another rights transaction. A fair reader-facing analysis distinguishes draft value from the NBA games each receiving team actually obtained.
Final Verdict
Celtics Win. Boston earns B+ for obtaining a first-round right later tied to No. 30 Desmond Bane and a trade exception, without claiming Bane's later Memphis performances. Phoenix receives D under the inherited grades despite legitimate Aron Baynes production and Ty Jerome's development opportunity. The selection gave Boston leverage, but Phoenix's actual player return deserves more credit than the letter alone suggests.