Reports continue to circulate around the internet about a possible Minnesota Timberwolves draft day trade. While talk about a deal for Chicago’s Jimmy Butler appeasr to be slowing, there are new rumors heating up.
According to The Sporting News’ Sean Deveney, Minnesota is one of the teams that Denver has talked to about a trade for Kenneth Faried.
“New coach Tom Thibodeau has long been a fan of his. Thibodeau was part of Team USA staff when Faried competed in the World Cup in 2014, and has had an affinity toward him since, and the ex-Bulls coach would like to acquire a big man who can provide interior toughness to pair with Rookie of the Year center Karl-Anthony Towns.”
Faried would fit that mold. While he’s somewhat undersized for the power forward spot at 6-foot-8, he’s known for his toughness inside. According to Canis Hoopus, Faried would be able to help the Wolves, who need help on the glass.
He averaged 12.3 points and almost nine rebounds per game over his five NBA seasons.
The challenge will be figuring out what a deal would look like. The Score notes that Faried is Denver’s most valuable trade chip, and that he doesn’t particularly feel like he’s a part of the Nuggets rebuilding plan.
But the Nuggets already have three first round picks this year, so balancing a deal could become difficult.
