Cavaliers Traded for Key Championship Contributor 10 Years Ago

Channing Frye's arrival in Cleveland helped the Cavaliers win their first NBA title.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Ten years ago, the Cleveland Cavaliers traded fan-favorite Anderson Varejao to the Portland Trail Blazers in a three-team deal that brought in sharpshooting big man Channing Frye from the Orlando Magic. Frye's ability to stretch the floor and his positive locker room presence proved crucial as the Cavaliers went on to win the 2016 NBA championship, overcoming a 3-1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors.

Why it matters

The Cavaliers' trade for Channing Frye was a key move that helped the team win its first NBA title in 2016. Frye's outside shooting and team-first attitude were important factors in the Cavaliers' championship run.

The details

In the trade, the Cavaliers sent Anderson Varejao to the Trail Blazers, while Frye came over from the Magic. Though the deal was initially met with skepticism from Cavs fans, Frye quickly proved his worth. Across 17 playoff games during the 2016 championship run, Frye shot better than 55% from three-point range, including a memorable performance in the second-round sweep of the Atlanta Hawks where he hit 7-of-9 treys. Frye's shooting ability drew defensive attention away from LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, allowing them to drive to the basket more effectively.

  • The Cavaliers traded for Channing Frye on February 18, 2016.
  • Frye played a key role in the Cavaliers' 2016 NBA championship run.

The players

Channing Frye

A 7-foot stretch big man who was acquired by the Cavaliers in a trade with the Orlando Magic. Frye's outside shooting and positive locker room presence were crucial factors in the Cavaliers' 2016 championship.

Anderson Varejao

A long-time fan favorite in Cleveland who was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers as part of the deal that brought Channing Frye to the Cavaliers.

LeBron James

The star player for the Cavaliers who led the team to the 2016 NBA championship.

Kyrie Irving

The Cavaliers' star point guard who teamed up with LeBron James to win the 2016 NBA title.

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The takeaway

The Cavaliers' trade for Channing Frye was a pivotal move that helped the team win its first NBA championship in 2016. Frye's outside shooting and positive locker room presence were key factors in the Cavaliers' historic comeback against the Golden State Warriors after falling behind 3-1 in the Finals.