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Denver Nuggets: Three trades to shed salary

By Kevin Oestreicher

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 06: Kenneth Faried #35 of the Denver Nuggets reacts during the first half of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on December 6, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Kenneth Faried
NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 06: Kenneth Faried #35 of the Denver Nuggets reacts during the first half of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on December 6, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Kenneth Faried /
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(Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images)
(Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images) /

Trade #1:

This trade makes sense for both sides. The Nuggets get to offload Faried, while taking back a cheaper expiring deal in return. The Wizards get Faried, who could be a solid backup power forward behind Markieff Morris, and two future second round picks.

The Nuggets and Smith would most likely agree to a buyout, as the Nuggets wouldn’t need him on the roster with all of their front court depth. They would most likely want to play their younger guys over Smith, leaving no room for him on the roster. Smith is making $5.2 million next season, so the Nuggets save roughly $7 million, while only giving up two second round picks in return.

Over the past two years, Faried’s playing time has slowly dwindled to the point where last year he only played in 32 contests, averaging 14 minutes per game. He is making $13.7 million this upcoming year, far too much for a player who barely sees the court anymore.

Over his career, Faried has averaged 11.4 points and 8.2 rebounds in just under 25 minutes per game. He is one of the best high energy big men in the league, but his mold and style of play doesn’t fit what the Nuggets and their identity anymore. They’ve opted to go younger, and prefer to have bigs who can get inside, as well as shoot from behind the arc like Nikola Jokic and Trey Lyles.

He is a great rebounder, and gives 110% on every possession. However, his offensive game is one dimensional. He can also be a liability on defense, and was ranked the 4th worst defensive power forward in the league by NBA Metrics.

Faried deserves playing time somewhere, whether that be with Denver or another team. He is too talented to waste away on the bench. The best thing for Denver and Faried that would benefit both sides is a split.

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