The Denver Nuggets are aggressively shopping forward Kenneth Faried, league sources tell Sean Deveney of Sporting News. The Timberwolves, who recently hired hard-pressed Tom Thibodeau as head coach, are said to be among the interested teams. According to Deveney, both teams recently discussed the possibility of a Kenneth Faried-centered trade.
Among the teams the Nuggets have talked with that have warmed to a trade for Faried, a source said, is Minnesota. New coach Tom Thibodeau has long been a fan of his. Thibodeau was part of the 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.
Thibodeau, who’s long known for valuing mental tenacity, would welcome Kenneth Faried with open arms. Another potential Wolves’ acquisition could be a July signing of Joakim Noah, as previously reported. Noah spent several seasons playing for the Bulls under coach Thibodeau and is said to be one of his favorite players.
The Nuggets have now emerged as the most likely team to make a draft-day trade, according to Deveney. Several teams have contacted Denver to inquire on the availability of Danilo Gallinari. Despite this, the Nuggets still seem most motivated to move the contract of Kenneth Faried. Denver, who is indeed shopping its #7 overall pick, can package the two together in a mega-deal or trade each separately.
Kenneth Faried, 26, averaged 12.5 points and 8.7 rebounds per game for the Nuggets this season. Faried would bring an attitude coaches — especially Tom Thibodeau — crave to Minnesota. Faried’s drive, determination, tenacity, effort, and hustle are all valuable commodities today in a league filled with players often shamed upon for lacking in. While Denver may want to deal him, Faried has nevertheless drawn interest from multiple teams around the league.
Expect Kenneth Faried to find a new home soon.
