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Trade Proposal: Kenneth Faried for Johnson, Ross and a draft pick

By Kevin Nimmock

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Fans of complicated trade proposals rejoice, because this one is a bit of a doozy. Over the last year, there have been almost constant rumors around Kenneth Faried leaving the Denver Nuggets. Normally, those rumors include the Toronto Raptors as a possible trade suitor. It is really not hard to understand why.

First, the Nuggets are a team that built a solid looking roster and tried to compete, ultimately ending up a failure. The team finished the 2014/15 season with a 30-52 record, led by Faried and a cast of misfit characters. Considering the $60 million 5-year contract Nuggets management signed him to in 2014, the team is no doubt disappointed by its star.

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Second, Raptors GM Masai Ujiri was responsible for drafting Faried back in 2011. The two have a relationship, and Ujiri clearly liked Faried enough to take a chance on him before he became one of the league’s most popular young players.

Finally, Faried perfectly fits the playing style that head coach Dwane Casey tends to favour. He is a high intensity player with an unstoppable engine and a propensity for rebounding. He fills approximately seven holes for the Raptors, and he would become an absolute improvement as the team’s starting power forward.

So, logic aside, how can Ujiri get Faried over the border? It wouldn’t be easy, because of how complicated his contract is. Faried is being paid $2.4 million until July 1st, when his salaries jumps to $11.2 million. With this in mind (and for others reasons), the trade would have to happen on July 1st.

Here it is: Kenneth Faried to Toronto for Terrence Ross, Amir Johnson (sign and trade) and a 2016 first-round pick. This deal has mutually beneficial elements, though it is admittedly not perfect.

In Terrence Ross, the Nuggets would get a guy with a lot of potential who still hasn’t developed into a consistent NBA contributor. There is a chance that he just needs to find the right home to grow his wings. Even if he never reaches his full upside, Ross will be a solid 3-and-D player off the bench or in the starting lineup for some time. He provides a lot of appeal for a team entering a long rebuild.

Speaking of long rebuilds, the Nuggets are going to want draft picks. Since the deal would have to occur on July 1st (for Amir Johnson), this year’s draft would not be an option, but next year should be just as important.

In Amir Johnson, the Nuggets get a guy who isn’t going to be discouraged by a long rebuild. He has done it before and he handled it admirably. Johnson will be able to provide veteran leadership and consistent minutes as a solid power forward. Though his ankles are going to cause him problems for the rest of his career, Johnson is still a good enough player to suit up as a starter. I am not clear on what his market price would be, but I imagine he would be signed for considerably less than his current $7 million/year contract. This could make him a bargain asset for the Nuggets.

Overall, the Raptors would get better instantly and the Nuggets would get a few tools to keep as they slowly improve over time. What do you think, Raptors fans? If you have ideas for how to make a better trade for Faried, let me know.

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