Phoenix has reached a 5 year, $30 million contract agreement with Channing Frye and a 4 year, $18 million contract agreement with Hakim Warrick. With these signings it became apparent that Amare Stoudemire would not be returning to the the Suns. The Suns probably would have prefered Amare to the two free agents they signed, but they certainly did not over pay by the standards that had already been set for free agents.
In Frye's first four seasons he made a total of 20 three point shots. In his fifth season he made a total of 172 treys playing with Steve Nash and the Suns. In his first four seasons he scored progressively fewer points but in his first season with the Suns he averaged 11.2 points, nearly triple his average from the year before. Earlier in the season, Frye was seeing more minutes but then it tapered back as the Suns felt they needed more rebounding toughness and gave Robin Lopez more minutes. With Stoudemire gone there will be an opportunity for Frye to log more minutes at power forward alongside Lopez, but he has some downside if the Suns once again feel they need more rebounds from the PF slot. Currently I have Frye projected in nine cateogry roto leagues to be ranked 91st and in five category fantasy points leagues (1 point each) 141st. Earl Clark may eventually compete for playing time with Frye, but he has not shown too much potential yet.
Lopez will be entering his third NBA season. He played nearly twice as much in his second season compared to the first. The Suns really liked his ability to rebound and block shots, but an injury slowed him down at the end of the season and caused him to miss many early playoff games. Next season he should clearly be the number one center for the Suns and could be in line for some big minutes. Currently I have Lopez projected in nine cateogry roto leagues to be ranked 98th and in five category fantasy points leagues (1 point each) 102nd.
Over his five NBA seasons Hakim Warrick has averaged only 21.5 mpg despite, for the most part, playing on bad teams. Going to Pheonix there is a real opportunity for him to play in a system that better suits his athletic style and make him a more efficient and valuable fantasy player. However with Grant Hill and Jared Dudley on the roster, it is probably best to take a wait and see approach with him. Currently I have Warrick projected in nine cateogry roto leagues to be ranked 190th and in five category fantasy points leagues (1 point each) ranked 140th.
