The Denver Nuggets are expected to become one of the most active teams on the trade front before the 2016 NBA Draft. And based on recent NBA trade rumors, the Nuggets could send Kenneth Faried to the Minnesota Timberwolves before the draft on Thursday.
Faried has not demanded for a change of scenery from Denver but the Nuggets do not view him as a long-term piece, Sporting News reported. According to the report, the Nuggets are aggressively shopping the 26-year-old power forward, who has spent his entire five-year NBA career in Denver.
The Nuggets are not receiving enticing offers from teams, but the report pointed out that the do-it-all forward could eventually end up in Minnesota. Timberwolves coach and president of basketball operations Tom Thibodeau wants to bring in Faried to team up with 2016 NBA Rookie of the Year Karl-Anthony Towns.
It is not a secret Thibodeau loves defensive-minded players and he is quite familiar with Faried. The veteran coach has worked with Faried during their time together with USA Basketball in the 2014 FIBA World Cup, where Thibodeau worked as one of Mike Krzyzewski's assistants.
It remains to be seen, though, what the Timberwolves are willing to offer in a deal for Faried. Minnesota have young assets in their roster and could also land additional trade pieces if they find a deal for their fifth overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft.
It is worth noting the Timberwolves are also eyeing Joakim Noah, who they can get without giving up assets via free agency, which could change their mindset on the rumored deal for Faried. Thibodeau developed a strong bond with Noah during their time with Chicago Bulls before the franchise fired the defensive-minded coach last summer.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets could also move Danilo Gallinari this summer, the Denver Post reported. According to the report, the Nuggets could package Gallinari, Faried and their seventh pick in the draft in a blockbuster trade before the deadline. However, the Nuggets are unlikely to find a taker before Thursday's rookie draft.
Faried averaged 12.5 points and 8.7 rebounds in 67 games for the Nuggets last season. On the other hand, who missed the 2013-14 season after suffering a torn ACL in his left knee, posted 19.5 points on top of 5.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists for Denver last season.
Check out the video below to see Kenneth Faried's dunk highlights.