Report: Yao Ming's Shanghai Sharks targeting Aron Baynes

Aron Baynes played minimally in his first two NBA seasons, but there appears to be no shortage of suitors for the 27-year-old big man's services.

Earlier this summer, ESPN's Marc Stein reported that the San Antonio Spurs were "determined" to re-sign the restricted free agent, and this week it was said that the Spurs were willing to discuss sign-and-trade possibilities involving Baynes.

Yao Ming's Chinese Basketball Association team, the Shanghai Sharks, are among a number of teams reportedly "making a hard push" to sign Baynes, according to Stein. 

Stein also notes that the Spurs would retain Baynes' NBA rights if the center decides to play abroad this season.

While a center averaging 3.0 points and 2.7 rebounds in the NBA wouldn't seem like a hot commodity, Baynes is assumably receiving tempting offers from China. Earlier on Friday, Serbian big man Miroslav Raduljica, who played less than 10 minutes per game for the league-worst Milwaukee Bucks last season, reportedly signed a lucrative one-year contract with China's Shandong.

China is also an attractive option for fringe NBA players because its pro season only runs through February, giving players who sign one-year deals the chance to join an NBA team later in the same season.

The Spurs are looking at Gustavo Ayon as a potential replacement for Baynes in the event they need one, Stein reported. 

Baynes, who represented Australia at this summer's FIBA World Cup, played in 53 games for the Spurs in 2013-14 after appearing in just 16 games in 2012-13.