It may be surprising that recent NBA trade rumors are going to mention the low-profile Orlando Magic squad, but power forward Channing Frye is said to be one of the "most attractive trade targets in the NBA" right now.
Frye is considered as one of the earliest versions of an NBA stretch four. He thrived with Mike D'Antoni and Steve Nash's Phoenix Suns in the mid to late 2000s in a scheme commonly known now as "small ball". Little did the rest of the league know that it would be the trend of the future.
Bleacher Report's Dan Favale included the 32-year-old Frye in his list of current trade chips, citing Basketball Insiders' Steve Kyler that a potential deal involving the veteran forward is looming to help "simplify the Magic's rotation".
The 10-year vet is Orlando's current starter at the no. 4 spot, but sophomore sensation Aaron Gordon's play is demanding more time on the court for him to fully blossom.
Head coach Scott Skiles is said to be slowly leaning to the small ball lineup as well, sliding Tobias Harris at the power forward spot with Evan Fournier, Mario Hezonja, and Victor Oladipo alternating at the wing positions.
Frye is slowly becoming the odd man out in Orlando, yet he is definitely a valuable addition to teams in need of a quality backup up front and those who are into small ball lineups.
Fansided reported two months ago that the Oklahoma City Thunder might be interested in trading for Frye, yet no official negotiations have taken place. OKC may want to re-open talks now that the former Arizona standout is reportedly on the trading block.
The report said that "the Thunder roster could use a stretch 4 who can play alongside Serge Ibaka, Enes Kanter or Steven Adams in small ball units" and Frye is the cheap but efficient piece that is available at the moment.