Channing Frye is expected to opt out of the final year of his current contract before today's afternoon deadline, leaving his $6.8 million player option for the 2014-15 season behind in favor of becoming an unrestricted free agent in a week.
At that time, the Suns and Frye are expected to negotiate a new contract giving the 31-year-old power forward more long-term security in the city where he grew up. The Suns will not be alone in that pursuit. Other teams will value Frye's unique skill set as a big man who is a top 3-point shooter but still defends the position well.