The Toronto Raptors are reportedly interested in trading for power forward Kenneth Faried of the Denver Nuggets following the Manimal's impressive performance at the FIBA World Cup of Basketball.
Already loaded with outstanding young talents, the Raptors are still looking for that one big move for them to become legit title contenders this coming season. According to a source close to situation, the Raptors are intrigued of the possibility of bringing in the former Morehead standout north of the border.
Faried, who averaged at least 12 points and 7 dimes to earn All-Tournament honor at the FIBA World Cup of Basketball, was selected 22nd overall by then vice-president of basketball operation Masai Ujiri, now the general manager of the Raptors.
Sources indicated Ujiri has always admired Faried's intensity and his evolution from an energy player to a solid all-around baller in just a span of three years. The Raps' interest in Faried dated back from last February before the mid-season trade deadline.
Despite possessing assets to make any trade work, the Raptors are going to have a harder time acquiring the 24-year old Faried now than they had several months ago because of the forward's increased value on the trading floor.
"Last season before the trade deadline, I reported that the Raptors had contacted the Nuggets about a Kenneth Faried trade. This came from a league source, and I was told that Masai Ujiri was interested in acquiring Faried since he is the one who drafted him," Kennedy stated in his latest article.
"With that said, I don't know if Denver will be willing to move Faried. I think he has shown significant progress since then (and looked excellent with Team USA), so they may decide to hold onto him. Yes, that will mean that they have to give him a big payday, but I think he has shown that he's worth it."
The Nuggets have a golden opportunity to lock in Faried by signing him to a contract extension before the window period for inking soon-to-be restricted free-agent expires on October 31.
