Why the Orlando Magic agreed to a deal with Channing Frye

Apr 12, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Channing Frye (8) reacts to his team missing a shot against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Suns 101-98 and clinched a spot in the NBA playoffs. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

On Monday, the Orlando Magic made a move that surprised many, agreeing to a four-year, $32 million deal with former Phoenix Suns’ big man Channing Frye.

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It certainly isn’t a surprise Frye was signed and although he is 31 years old and missed the 2012-2013 season because of heart issues and it wasn’t even that big of a surprise he got $8 million. Many were just surprised it wasn’t a team like the Cleveland Cavaliers or Golden State Warriors, who were both reportedly interested in acquiring a big that can knock down shots from the outside and the stretch the floor like Frye, that was able to scoop him up.

Frye, however, might be exactly what the Magic needed. Nate Duncan of Basketball Insiders explains why the Magic agreed to a deal with Frye.

"If the contract declines in value, which is how I’d have structured it as the Magic since they have so much space this year, perhaps it’s not that bad by the end even with Frye 35 by the end, since the cap will go up and his salary will go down……Just wait and see what Frye does for the Orlando offense this year though with his shooting. He will be sorely needed since they’re going to be playing guys like Payton, Gordon, and Oladipo big minutes and those guys are not plus shooters. He can space the floor for them. Another option would be if the Magic signed him to trade him away later. Tons of contenders would love Frye, especially if his contract declines as I suggested earlier."

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.

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