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The first show has dropped in the dismantling of the lovable “Frank and Baynes” duo. Frank Kaminsky will no longer be a part of the Phoenix Suns moving forward. The team has declined his $5.2 million team option.
The Phoenix Suns are declining the $5.2M team option on Frank Kaminsky, making him an unrestricted free agent, source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 19, 2020
Frank Kaminsky came to the Suns prior to the 2020-21 NBA season as a free agent, signing a two-year, $9.77 million contract, with the second year being a club-option.
Kaminsky averaged 9.7 points-per-game and 4.5 rebounds-per-game on .450/.331/.678 shooting in 39 games with the Suns. Unfortunately a patella stress fracture suffered on December 28 shortened his season. The Suns felt his absence, posting a 13-19 record with him out. He did return for the bubble where he averaged 3.7 points-per-game in 8.5 minutes-played-per-game.
His release was expected as the Suns look to trim the financial fat as they embark on free agency.
I still expect the Suns keep Dario Saric, on a multi-year deal, as he is a versatile player who can play PF and some C and let go of Aron Baynes, Frank Kaminsky and Cheick Diallo.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) November 17, 2020
Kaminsky did an admirable job filling in for the Suns when needed. While Aron Baynes was injured and Deandre Ayton was serving time for a PED suspension, Frank started 13 games for the Suns. He played well with the time given to him, averaging 13 points-per-game in those contests with 4.9 rebounds and 41.1$ shooting from deep.
What Frank brought with him was humor and flare. Blowing his hand after a made three. Joking with his teammates on the sidelines. Creatively training during the pandemic.
Idk I’m just making stuff up at this point.... pic.twitter.com/LpsmK2rL9X
— Frank Kaminsky III (@FSKPart3) April 10, 2020
The move aligns with the Suns strategy for the upcoming season day after the 2020 NBA Draft. James Jones chose Jalen Smith from Maryland at #10, a player who shares a similar skillset to that of Kaminsky: plenty of offense, a project on defense. What Smith possesses that Frank doesn’t is the ability to crash the boards and be effective on the offensive glass.
Kaminsky enters a free agent market as an intriguing asset. Not really a big man, although 7’0”, and not really a stretch player. You would think with his size that he would be an efficient rim scorer. He is not. He shoots nearly half of his shoots from beyond the arc and averages 4.0 rebounds-per-game in his career. Look for teams to add Kaminsky as a stretch four.
Best of luck to Frank the Tank as he embarks on his next journey in the NBA. He is the type of player who will come back and scorch the Suns from off of the bench. We will be routing for him wherevers he goes, except on those nights when he plays against the Suns.
Give Frank some love below and share your fond memories of his time in purple and orange.