NBA Free Agents 2014: Channing Frye Gets Big Payday With Orlando Magic! Takes Bigger Role Instead Of Joining A Contender!

The NBA Free Agents 2014 are reflecting the players' different priorities at different stages of their careers. While some players take pay cuts and accept smaller roles to play for a championship contender, some players will jump at the chance to have a big pay day.

Channing Frye's career almost ended when he was diagnosed with an enlargement of the heart. He was able to make a great comeback with the Phoenix Suns as he played all 82 games, averaging 11.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and shooting 37 percent on 3-pointers. Considering that he's a 6'11" center/forward, the three point percentage is remarkable.

Now, Frye has a chance to make his big pay day. He's already 31 years old and this could very well be his last long-term contract. Yahoo Sports has the report:

"Free-agent forward Channing Frye has reached agreement on a four-year, $32 million contract with the Orlando Magic, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

Frye had opted out of the final season of his contract with the Phoenix Suns to become an unrestricted free agent. Frye passed on his player's option for $6.8 million in the 2014-15 season, which would've been the final year of an original five-year, $30 million deal."

Considering how his career almost ended, this was a breakthrough for Channing Frye. Probably the league's only 'stretch 5' he decided not to join a contender who would not be able to offer him much and join a rebuilding Orlando Magic.

The  Suns apparently wanted to have him back but could not commit more money for him because they are involved in the big LeBron James chase. After a breakthrough season that saw them win 48 games (in contrast to the predictions that had them winning only 20-25) the Suns believe they are ready to rock with the big boys.

In contrast, the Orlando Magic, despite having cap space, is not making much noise on the free-agent front. They are still taking the process of a slow rebuild. Frye would be one an integral part of that new vision.