Knicks Trade Rumors: Big Names And Former Knicks Surface As Options

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Dec 28, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) reacts during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 105-103. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Kenneth Faried

Position: Power Forward
Age: 27 (11/19/1989)
Experience: 6th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .524/.000/.697
2016-17 Season Averages: 21.7 MPG, 9.0 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 3.2 ORPG, 0.9 BPG, 0.8 SPG

Kenneth Faried has been involved in trade rumors for multiple seasons. One could either interpret that information as a sign that the Denver Nuggets are willing to move him or take it as a reason to believe he won’t actually be going anywhere.

Faried may or may not be on the Knicks’ radar, but he has a critical strength that would change the entire trajectory of his season: defensive rebounding.

The Knicks are one of the most productive rebounding teams in the NBA, but they’re routinely exploited on the defensive glass. New York ranks in the bottom five in the Association in both offensive rebounds allowed per game and second chance points allowed per game.

Faried, meanwhile, is averaging 10.5 defensive rebounds per game and ranks No. 11 in the NBA in rebound percentage.

Having a player as ferociously competitive as Faried is on the boards would address one of the Knicks’ most critical flaws. Unfortunately, there doesn’t appear to be any room for Faried on the roster given the existing surplus of big men.

Nevertheless, it’s intriguing to think of a Knicks interior being anchored by the dynamic Kristaps Porzingis and the physical and tenacious Faried.

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