While free agent rumors continue to dominate the attention of the Major League Baseball scene, another popular sport is drawing increased notice with the league’s trade deadline approaching. Over four months into the 2013-2014 National Basketball Association campaign, multiple teams across the 30-team field are looking into various ways of upgrading their respective rosters for the final push of the regular slate. The New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics are just a handful of franchises said to be interested in making deals but with over a week remaining before the February 20 deadline, expect the number of involved clubs to increase.
According to multiple sources, one trade rumor beginning to pick up steam involves young talent from the New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets. Injuries to Kenyon Martin and Andrea Bargnani have left head coach Mike Woodson and the Knicks barren at the forward position and with the team in serious need of a lift coming out of the All-Star break, owner James Dolan has shown interest in acquiring Denver’s Kenneth Faried in exchange for rising talent Iman Shumpert. Though veteran Amar’e Stoudemire and Jeremy Tyler have enjoyed increased minutes due to the injuries of Bargnani and Martin, New York remains highly interested in adding another big body.
The Nuggets are currently 5 ½ games out of the eighth and final playoff position in the Western Conference but Faried has put together a solid 2013-2014 campaign. In just over 24 minutes per game this year, the former Morehead State standout is averaging over 10 points, 7 rebounds and 1 block. Shumpert-for-Faired rumors began circulating back in November, with Denver reluctant to part ways with their 6’8”, 228 forward unless the price was right. Iman Shumpert is averaging 7 points, 4.6 rebounds and just under 2 assists per game this season for New York but has struggled at times to find consistency on the offensive end. Shumpert is however regarded as a top-level defender in the NBA.
Denver previously indicated that they were not interested in making the swap due to the fact that the organization would rather unload a long-term contract and being that New York does not want to bring on any additional finances, this deal could remain shelved until something is added to sweeten the pot.
New York has also previously indicated that they were interested in upgrading its backcourt and the potential acquiring of Faried – though it would help them over the long haul – would obviously not help the Knicks in that regard
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