Orlando Magic’s Channing Frye doesn’t believe in a hometown discount
When former Phoenix Suns’ power forward Channing Frye agreed to a four-year, $32 million deal with the Orlando Magic, many were surprised.
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From a Magic perspective, it made perfect sense. The Magic’s biggest weakness is their shooting and Frye is a fantastic three-point shooter who can knock down shots from the outside and help open up the paint for young Magic guards Victor Oladipo and Elfrid Payton.
However, Frye attended St. Mary’s High School in Phoenix, Arizona and attended the University of Arizona before playing for New York Knicks, Portland Trail Blazers and Suns. That led many to believe Frye would ultimately re-sign with the Suns even if other teams offered him bigger deals.
Frye made it clear he does not believe in the hometown discount.
“The question I always ask is ‘would you take a hometown discount?'” Frye told Burns and Gambo Wednesday on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM via Vince Marotta of ArizonaSports.com. “People say that, it’s just absolutely ridiculous. Because the thing that happens is someone takes a discount. Let’s say the market says they’re worth $10 million and they take $5 million. The next day they get traded, so they’re like ‘well dang, why did I take $5 million if you’re just going to trade me?’
“Think about it, our careers are short-lived. So why not go somewhere where you’re going to be extremely appreciated, where you’re going to be part of the future? People just say ‘take a discount,’ why? I’m 31. Why would I do that? I’m not asking for $15 million a year — I’m not crazy. The market dictated what was going on and I took the best deal.”
Frye averaged 11.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game while shooting 43.2% from the floor, 37.0% from beyond the arc and 82.1% from the charity stripe last season.