Assessing Channing Frye’s value
A possible return?
Amid all these trade rumors, we can also gauge who would be a good return for Frye based on his value.
If you are talking only about maximizing wins, a player whose play is worth more money than Frye’s would be a positive return for Frye.
Because of the team’s current state, young players with potential to grow and draft picks could also be considered a strong package in return for him, and that is the type of trade Rob Hennigan has been so successful in making during his tenure as Magic general manager.
The real issue would be to find a team that would be interested in Frye’s services. Perhaps a playoff team that wants a strong shooting big man and a veteran with relatively consistent play in the right system.
Another interesting question to examine would be to see if Frye’s performance, despite not being worth his salary, still makes the franchise more revenue than the $8 million he earns.
One would want to examine how much additional revenue a win gives the Magic franchise, holding all other factors constant. Perhaps based on the number of wins he adds, the team may make more money this season than last, and it may be worth it to the organization to overpay Frye.
As a veteran in free agency joining a rebuilding team, the Magic were going to overpay him a little bit. His production though has not quite met the salary. Not in a way we can count at least.
Next: Orlando Magic's playoff hopes not out of reach yet
The numbers show Frye’s presence on the floor does help the team in some respects, but also hurt it in others. The question with value that has to be answered too is how much that intangible value is worth.