Jared Cunningham has been traded to the Magic as part of the Channing Frye deal, Sam Amick of USA Today reports. The Cavs also sent a first-round pick to the Blazers in the deal and acquired a second-round pick from the Blazers, which will also go to the Magic.
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The Cavaliers could also absorb Frye’s $8.2 million salary directly in a $10.5 million trade exception Cleveland possesses, which would naturally be preferable to Orlando, since the Magic would then not be required to back any salary.
Players like Channing Frye who have a very specific skill set (in Frye’s case: the ability to be very tall and shoot 3-pointers accurately) often find themselves in fairly high demand from teams that can utilize those services.
The always hustling Varejao has been a fan favorite – and one of James’ most beloved teammates – for 12 seasons with the Cavaliers, who have phased him out of their rotation. His best seasons came with Phoenix, where he averaged 11.4 points and 5.7 rebounds in four seasons. The Magic have shown improvement this year, owning a 23-29 record, but losing 16 of their last 20 games has taken a lot of wind from their sails.
The 32-year-old Frye will be expected to provide the Cavs with shooting in the front court.
Varejao, from Brazil, has had injury problems in recent years.
The Blazers get a first-round pick for facilitating this trade and they also get a veteran contributor in Varejao as they fight for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.
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Getting rid of Varejao’s contract was key to the deal for Cleveland.
