OKC Thunder December trade deadline series part 2 – Channing Frye
Fit
Frye is an experienced veteran, understands his role and will likely serve as a pinch hitter. Oklahoma City possess the leagues best defensive squad therefore hiding Frye on the defensive end should prove no problems.
Frye would also give the Thunder three centers in its rotation, each supplying something different depending on match-ups. Steven Adams as the bruiser, Nerlens Noel as the pure athlete and Frye as the stretch five if OKC elect to surround Russ with four shooters.
Westbrook has never been surrounded by four shooters and should OKC make that a reality, the Thunder become almost unstoppable on offense.
Trade
Acquiring Frye on the surface shouldn’t take more than either Nader, TLC or swapping of second
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round picks. Cleveland are preparing to rebuild for the future so they may want a young piece in exchange but whether OKC do that for a veteran remains to be seen.
Sam Presti built this roster with youth and athleticism in mind. Frye meets none of those criteria so unless OKC are looking for another veteran voice who has a championship under his belt, its unlikely he comes to the Mid-West.
Final Thought
While Frye doesn’t any significant court value, veteran voices are coveted inside most locker rooms with young guys needing guidance. With Oklahoma City hell bent on going deep into the playoffs, veterans like Frye have tremendous value.
Sure, Westbrook, Adams, Andre Roberson, PG13 and Schroder have all been to the finals but they also need steady heads around them. Nick Collison aka Mr Thunder was that guy for Oklahoma City and since he retired last year, OKC have elected not to replace his presence.
Next. December trade deadline series part 3 - Noah Vonleh. dark
If Cleveland do not command too much in return, Frye could be a nice addition to an already tight locker room.