Report: Suns’ Channing Frye expected to opt out of final year of his deal to become a free agent

Channing Frye is the second-highest paid player on the Suns at the moment, and has a player option for $6.8 million for next season. But it appears as though he’ll give that up in hopes of signing a long-term deal that will guarantee him more money in the future.

Suns’ Channing Frye has ‘til Monday to decide to play next season at $6.8 mil w/PHX or opt out. Source: “99 percent” he chooses free agency

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 22, 2014

As stretch four with big role in Suns’ surprising season, Frye said to be on radar of both Warriors & Cavs if he indeed opts for free agency

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 22, 2014

Frye was forced to sit out the season before last due to a heart condition, but was medically cleared for last season and started all 82 games. He averaged 11.1 points and 5.1 rebounds in 28.2 minutes per contest, while knocking down 37 percent of his looks from three-point distance.

A reunion with Steve Kerr (and assistant coach Alvin Gentry, who was the head man in Phoenix for the better part of five seasons) in Golden State would make plenty of sense, assuming the contract details could be hammered out. Frye is in line for a multi-year deal at or a little below the $6 million-plus he’s owed for next season, so financially, pursuing free agency is the logical choice.