After making a free-agent scouting trip to Los Angeles on Sunday, Cavs GM Danny Ferry came home and hosted free-agent power forward Channing Frye on Monday at the team's practice facility in Independence. Frye is the type of "stretch" forward the Cavs are interested in during the free-agent period as they look to find big men who can hit jumpers when teams collapse on LeBron James and center Shaquille O'Neal.

At this point, the Cavs are looking at several power forwards in addition to Frye.

One, of course, is Anderson Varejao, whom a league source said is truly the Cavs' primary target in free agency as they attempt to re-sign him. So far, the Cavs and Varejao have had some constructive talks.

Another they've had interest in, Shawn Marion, likely is headed elsewhere. A league source said Marion may be closing in on a deal with a team, but it isn't the Cavs. Several outlets reported Monday he was nearing a deal with the Dallas Mavericks.

The Cavaliers also have been in discussions with Detroit Pistons free agent Antonio McDyess, who is being courted by numerous teams.

Also still on the list and very much in contention is Denver Nuggets restricted free agent Linas Kleiza. His agent, Bill Duffy, said Monday the interest is mutual. The sides are expected to continue to have dialogue.

As for Frye, he said he enjoyed his visit to Cleveland, and it is one of the handful of teams he's considering. Frye also has been in talks with the Phoenix Suns, Denver Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs, Orlando Magic and Washington Wizards. Yahoo Sports reported Monday the Suns are the leader. Frye went to college at the University of Arizona.

"I do think I'm a good fit. I think having a big that can create space for LeBron, Shaq and Mo [Williams] can't hurt," Frye said via e-mail. "I feel like all the teams have a great opportunity for me to play and for me to contribute, especially [in Cleveland] - to be a part of history."

Playing time is of special importance to Frye, who is 6-11 and just finished his fourth year in the league. He was on the All-Rookie Team with the New York Knicks in 2005-06 when he averaged 12.3 points and 5.8 rebounds. But when he was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers after his second season, he fell down the depth chart as Portland's roster was stuffed with young players.

Last season, he was slowed after needing surgery to remove bone Spurs from his ankle, and he had his lowest-output season, averaging 4.2 points and 2.2 rebounds in 63 games. Last week, the Blazers decided not to issue him a qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent.

He is known as a finesse player, who is especially effective in pick-and-pop situations on offense, which would be helpful because the Cavs run a lot of free-lance pick-and-roll plays with James and Williams.

The Cavs, according to a source, also have been in touch with another of their own free agents, Wally Szczerbiak. The Cavs have Szczerbiak's "Bird rights," so, as with Varejao, they would not have to use either the $5.6 million midlevel exception or the $2 million biannual exception on either player.

Szczerbiak, who is coming off a solid season with the team, is an option to be re-signed or could be used in a sign-and-trade deal at some point.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: bwindhorst@plaind.com, 216-999-5166