It looks like Aron Baynes’ legendary basketball career could be coming to an end, with the Brisbane Bullets announcing he will not be returning to the team for the 2024/25 NBL season.
Baynes signed with the Bullets in 2022, but he will leave after two seasons with the team, with his future in the sport very much in doubt.
The Australian spent nine years in the NBA across five different organizations and was a mainstay of the Australian national team for more than a decade.
Is Aron Baynes Retiring?
While nothing has been confirmed, Baynes’ choice to leave the Bullets could indicate he is ready to move on from basketball, with the big man turning 38 in December.
Brisbane coach Justin Schueller told media on Wednesday that while Baynes would not return to the team, he would remain involved in the organisation, suggesting he is not heading to another NBL team.
“We have our roster locked down and I think Baynsey is enjoying retirement or some extra time off,” Schueller said.
“We look forward to seeing ‘Big Banga’ back at the games when we return to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.
“Aron will always be a Bullet. He will always have some involvement in the club.”
Other options for Aron Baynes
While Scheuller’s comments indicate Baynes will remain in Brisbane in a non-playing role, there is still a slim chance another NBL team will call upon his services.
A number of teams have already completed their squads for the upcoming season, but it is possible that a team such as the Illawarra Hawks, Perth Wildcats or Cairns Taipans could be interested in the veteran if he has decided he simply does not want to play for Brisbane.
When Baynes initially signed with Brisbane in 2022, he said his ultimate goal was to return to the NBA, following the NBL path used by other veterans like Andrew Bogut and Matthew Dellavedova.
But after two years and no meaningful opportunities, it appears that door has closed for Baynes, and that could be a factor in his decision to retire if he’s done with the sport.
Aron Baynes NBL Statistics
Baynes played two seasons in the NBL for the Brisbane Bullets, serving as both a starting-caliber big man and a veteran presence for younger players, most notably Rocco Zikarsky.
He averaged nearly 12 points and eight rebounds in his freshman season, but his numbers dropped in the Bullets’ previous campaign.
- 9.6 points per game
- 6 RPG
- 0.8 APG
- 0.4 BPG
- 0.2 SPG
- 46% FG
- 72%FT
- 32%3PT
Aron Baynes NBA Statistics
Over the course of nine seasons, Baynes has been a consistent force in the NBA, as well as something of a cult hero.
He played for five franchises and won an NBA championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014.
- 6 points per game
- 4.6 RPG
- 0.8 APG
- 0.5 BPG
- 0.2 SPG
- 48.9% shooting success rate
- 79.4% FT
- 30.8%3PT
Aron Baynes’ career earnings
During his NBA career, Aron Baynes earned a total of $38,075,340 US, by HoopsHype.
In the NBL he was would apparently win between A$750,000 and A$850,000 per season, however, NBL salaries are not fully disclosed to the public.
