Nuggets power forward Kenneth Faried saw his playing time dip this season thanks to the emergence of big men Joffrey Lauvergne, Jusuf Nurkic and Nikola Jokic, as well as late season struggles with soreness in his back. The 26-year-old made 67 appearances for the team this season and averaged 12.5 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 25.3 minutes per outing. While those numbers weren’t far off his career averages, the energetic forward didn’t appear to be a good fit in coach Michael Malone‘s offense at times, which raises some questions about his long-term future in Denver.
Faried has three years and more than $38.764MM left on the extension he signed in 2014. The forward’s salary is likely end up below market value after the expected free agent feeding frenzy that is set to occur this summer, courtesy of the significant increase in the salary cap that is set to kick in, which is good for the team. But if Faried is forced into a reserve role in the future it could prove to be a distraction if he is unwilling to accept the change, as Ben Dowsett of Basketball Insiders noted.
This brings me to today’s topic: Should the Nuggets look to trade Kenneth Faried this summer?
Take to the comments section to share your thoughts on whether or not Denver should hang onto Faried at all costs, or if you believe it is time for the team to find a new home for the player. If you are of the mind that Faried should be shipped out, regale us with your trade ideas for him. We look forward to what you have to say.
I’d keep him if I were Denver just because I don’t think I could get proper value for him. I like Faried, but Ultimately, he’s a bench player unless he can improve his outside shot. Denver can afford to have him come off the bench.
I think the Nuggets want to move him, especially with the other three mentioned wanting minutes and the possibility of Darrell Arthur returning next year. The problem is who would take him, considering his skill set and the money left on his contract. Very good rebounder and athletic, but isn’t a go-to scorer and not very good defensively.
One team that could use an upgrade at PF right now would be Phoenix. They may lose Teletovic in free agency and don’t have any starting options on their roster right now. Unless they get someone in the draft like Simmons or Bender, they should look into getting Faried.
There’s no reason to trade him just to trade him.
His deal is – with the rising cap – very affordable. His skill set is sought after. He’s an above average player.
I think the Nuggets keep him as a chip to add to deals for marquee players that wouldn’t normally sign with them as free agents.
He’d make more sense on an East team. Just his style of play i.e. limitations.
He would be a great addition for Knicks, but they have nothing to trade. Maybe Celtics for Amir but they probably wouldn’t make that deal. Not a lot of matching salaries on teams that could use him, or players Denver could use.
I would like to see Gallo, Faried and/or Nurkic go. Going to get a stellar 3 point shooter, and a good center/PF. I think the nuggets have phenomenal potential. We could use 2 of our first round picks plus Gallo or Faried and make big moves this off season. COULD YOU IMAGINE?! Mudiay, Someone like Hardaway Jr or Bazemore, Chandler, Jokic, and Al Horford (Or other solid center) all on the floor?! Harris Jofferey and Barton off the bench? This could be a big off season.
Trade him on draft day. I really like the idea of packaging him with possibly Gallo and some picks for a front line Power Forward.
Faried is a hustle guy and a decent rebounder, but that’s it. He can’t create shots or scoring opportunities for anyone, he can’t shoot from the outside or free throw line and can’t play defense. He is a very poor mans Dennis Rodman, who was a stellar rebounder and defender.
If the Cavs can’t beat Golden State and Love is corralled, maybe the Cavs would be interested in Faried, Gallo and Chandler.