Channing Frye officially returns to the Cavaliers

It’s official: Channing Frye is officially back with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

On Thursday afternoon, the team announced Frye’s return in a press release. The Cavs did not disclose the terms of Frye’s deal, but it has been reported as a one-year, $2.4 million deal.

Frye’s role with the Cavs is still to-be-determined, but it’s fun to have him back. In his season-and-a-half with Cleveland, he endeared himself to the city and Cavs fans with a jovial personality, an epic Snapchat account and the Road Trippin’ podcast. He also was part of the 2016 title winning team and a key part of the team’s ability to come together and come back from 3-1.

Next season, Frye will provide shooting as always from the center spot. But he also, and perhaps more importantly, can be a role model for younger players like Cedi Osman, top pick Collin Sexton and Ante Zizic. For a team getting into the player development business for the first time in four teams, having a guy like Frye around to establish a positive culture is valuable.

He wore No. 8 with the Cavs in 2017-18 before being traded to the Lakers at the deadline last season, but that number is now owned by Jordan Clarkson. The No. 9 jersey he wore after being traded to the Cavs in 2016, however, is available.

With Frye in the fold, the Cavs have 13 players under contract with Rodney Hood still a restricted free agent.