DeMarcus Cousins and Kenneth Faried (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Minnesota Timberwolves could acquire Kenneth Faried in a three-way blockbuster deal that would see DeMarcus Cousins joining the Denver Nuggets and Ricky Rubio to the Sacramento Kings.
The Timberwolves could play as facilitators for a potential deal buzzing around the league that would see DeMarcus Cousins rejoining Mike Malone in Denver and Kenneth Faried heading to Minnesota.
In the trade scenario explored by Zach Mikash of Denver Stiffs, a popular fan site hosted by SB Nation, the Wolves would serve as a third team in the rumored blockbuster deal. The Wolves get Faried and Joffrey Lauvergne from the Nuggets, who then acquire Cousins and Kosta Koufos from Sacramento. The Kings would then receive Rubio from Minnesota, and Will Barton and Jusuf Nurkic from Denver.
With the arrival of Kris Dunn, the Timberwolves seem ready to move on from Rubio, who has expressed a desire to get traded if the team won't make it to the playoffs next year. While Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor deem Rubio as a keeper, a deal for Faried should entice Minny to let go of the Spanish playmaker.
Bringin in Faried would add depth to the Timberwolves loaded frontcourt. Faried, who averaged 12.5 points and 8.7 rebounds per game last season, could slide in as a starter at the four spot and should fit well playing under Tom Thibodeau.
The Kings, on the other hand, would get a talented point guard in Rubio to address their need of a bona fide floor commander. With Rubio, a pass-first point guard, in their fold, the Kings could maximize the talents of their young big men.
Meanwhile, Cousins would give the Nuggets an All-Star who can be effective working with Mike Malone, who both worked well during their times together in Sacramento.
Cousins would probably thrive under the helms of Dave Joerger, but another act displeasure from Boogie would probably see him on the trading block. And once the 2016 Rio Olympics is over, there is a chance Cousins would be unhappy coming back to the dysfunctional Kings, after getting a taste of playing with a winning team, according to Ryan Mccabe of Sports Illustrated's Fansided.
The Nuggets aren't considered as a winning team, but the predicted positive result of once again playing under Malone should be a factor for the Kings to consider sending Cousins to Denver.
It is unclear whether the Wolves have a genuine interest in trading Rubio for Faried, who has also been linked to a move to the Los Angeles Lakers. Likewise, it would probably take some time before the Kings ponder about moving Cousins.
But this seems a deal worth exploring for all the aforementioned teams as it would address their respective needs. A win-win situation at best.
