ORLANDO, Fla. — Getting paid $34 million to back up Dwight Howard with the Magic for the next five years might sound like a good gig. It’s just that Marcin Gortat was looking forward to having the chance to start for the Mavericks.
The Magic surprised — and disappointed — Gortat and the Mavericks on Monday, matching an offer sheet to keep the Polish big man.
Gortat’s agent, Guy Zucker, said the center “was definitely very disappointed today.”
Gortat, who averaged 3.8 points and 4.5 rebounds in about 12 minutes per game last season, was hoping to compete with Erick Dampier for the starting job.
“It was definitely about the opportunity to find out how good he can really be,” Zucker said. “We had requested that Orlando not match the offer.”
Suns, Frye OK deal
PHOENIX — The Suns reached a contract agreement with center Channing Frye.
Frye, who averaged 4.2 points last season with the Trail Blazers, agreed to a two- year contract with the second year at his option. He will earn about $2 million next season.
Footnotes.
Swingman Anthony Parker, who averaged 10.7 points and 3.4 assists last season with Toronto, signed a two- year deal with the Cavaliers.
• Talks between the Clippers and free-agent guard Allen Iverson have been characterized as “very serious,” according to the Los Angeles Times.
• Rockets assistant Elston Turner interviewed for the Timberwolves’ coaching vacancy.
Denver Post wire services
