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The Orlando Magic have signed free agent forward Channing Frye, General Manager Rob Hennigan announced today. This agreement has been known for some time, but is now official.
According to the Arizona Republic, it’s a four-year, $32 million contract.”
“We’re extremely excited to welcome Channing (Frye) and his family to Orlando,” said Hennigan. “Channing’s character, competiveness, veteran experience, and leadership ability are valuable additions to our developing team. His ability to stretch the floor and play sound team defense are also ways in which we envision Channing helping our team moving forward.”
According to the Orlando Sentinel blog, “team officials want Frye to stretch the floor with his 3-point shooting. If Frye can accomplish that, he should be able to open space and driving lanes for youngsters such as Victor Oladipo, Elfrid Payton and Maurice Harkless to attack the rim. The Magic also wanted the 31-year-old veteran because they believe he’ll provide veteran leadership. He’ll be expected to mentor young players.”
Frye (6’11”, 255, 5/17/83) played and started in all 82 games last season with Phoenix, averaging 11.1 ppg., 5.1 rpg. and 1.2 apg. in 28.2 minpg., while shooting .370 (160-432) from three-point range. He became the ninth player in Suns history to start all 82 games in a regular season. Frye led (or tied) the team in scoring five times and in rebounding six times. He scored in double figures 57 times and had 20+ points 11 times, including a season-high 30 points on Jan. 19 vs. Denver.
Originally selected by New York in the first round (eighth overall) of the 2005 NBA Draft, Frye has appeared in 582 career NBA regular season games (340 starts) during his eight-year career with New York, Portland and Phoenix, averaging 9.9 ppg., 5.2 rpg. and 1.0 apg. in 24.5 minpg., while shooting .385 (614-1,596) from three-point range. He also played in 20 career playoff games, averaging 7.2 ppg. and 4.7 rpg. in 23.5 minpg. Frye, who missed the entire 2012-13 campaign due to a dilated cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart), was named to the 2005-06 NBA All-Rookie First Team.
