NBA Trade Speculation: Could Orlando Magic make a push for Kenneth Faried?

Mar 12, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Brian Shaw talks with Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Denver Nuggets defeated the Orlando Magic 120-112. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Brian Shaw talks with Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Denver Nuggets defeated the Orlando Magic 120-112. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 26, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) dunks the ball in front of Los Angeles Clippers forward Matt Barnes (22) during the second quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 26, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) dunks the ball in front of Los Angeles Clippers forward Matt Barnes (22) during the second quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

Kenneth Faried outclasses Tobias Harris to the point that some find this trade very unlikely. But some things have to be taken into consideration that may be otherwise ignored. Namely, the Denver Nuggets have no direction whatsoever, and the addition of a future pick would be enough to entice Denver to do this deal. One would think that since the Nuggets essentially lack a superstar and also lack premier young talent, this would appeal.

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Ostensibly, Faried is that type of talent, and yet he is not.  The Nuggets need a premier scorer more than a glass cleaner — it so happens the Magic need just the opposite. There is the unsaid prerequisite that Harris would have to indicate a desire to sign an extension, and that is difficult to do, or that the Nuggets would be willing to match in invest in Harris (possibly moreso than they already did with Faried.

Denver may make the deal on the promise of a draft pick alone, or even draft picks. Would it be worth it to include this year’s pick and a top-15 protected pick next season? Putting in this year’s pick would show the team would make a move with the Playoffs clearly in mind. Anything short would then be a failure..

There always has to be a “reach.”  It applies in every facet of life, never mind NBA trades.

Hennigan should not be afraid to inquire about big names. No one expected James Harden to be dealt for a bag of geodes, but Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey swept in on a player no one suspected was entirely available for trade.

The same may apply here. Hennigan could stir interest in dealing for players that GMs have not necessarily put “on the market.”

And to be sure, the Nuggets should have a high asking price for Faried.  He is a very good young talent with a lot of untapped potential.  He also fits the “Hennigan mold,” so to speak, in being a strong defensive-minded, high effort talent.  While Hennigan and all the other 29 GMs will be working the lines, it may be a surprise as to what actually does (and what does not for that matter) occur before the deadline.

In summation:

Outgoing:  Channing Frye, Tobias Harris; 2017 Lakers’ draft selection [Dwight Howard deal] (protected 1-5 in ’17 and ’18; unprotected 2019)

Incoming:  Wilson Chandler, Kenneth Faried; 2018 second round pick (from Golden State)

What do you think?

Next: What could the future hold for Maurice Harkless and Andrew Nicholson?