The Boston Celtics may consider trading for Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried if the Cs fail to trade for bigger stars this offseason.
The Celtics could be a team to look out for amid trade talks circulating the Nuggets, who has been touted as one of the teams actively exploring the trade market in a deal that involves Kenneth Faried. With the Celtics looking to acquire at least another quality player to pair with Al Horford, Faried's availability would give Boston the chance to complete a roster that could challenge the league's top team.
It is no secret Boston is also exploring the trade market, with Celtics general manager Danny Ainge open to such moves "as long as it's a sustainable formula and not a one-year quick hit, sacrificing future assets."
"If it's something that gets us to being a true championship contender faster, we're all for it," Ainge told CBS Local.
A trade for big names like Russell Westbrook or Blake Griffin would probably reel the Celtics to that path as any potential deals for those stars would surely cost Boston key players. However, dealing for Faried won't probably require the Celtics to give up much assets, giving them the chance to keep their core roster intact.
Faried, who averaged 12.5 points and 8.7 rebounds for the Nuggets last season, would give the Celtics an athletic power forward essential to pushing the pace of Brad Stevens' offense. His offensive skillset at the four spot is limited, but his defensive upside and ability to finish at the rim should make him a desirable partner to Horford.
Moreover, adding the Faried would turn the Celtics into an even more attractive destination in free agency, when the likes of Griffin, Westbrook and Stephen Curry could be available.
The Celtics could send the expiring contracts of Amir Johnson and throw in a budding shooting guard in James Young for Faried, a deal which works on ESPN's trade machine. Johnson should provide leadership on the Nuggets' young frontcourt, while Young could add up to the team's already promising backcourt.
It is unclear whether the Celtics would consider such move, but with offseason trades for Westbrook and Griffin becoming unlikely, Faried would make up as a viable alternative.