Denver Nuggets: GM Tim Connelly Aces Kenneth Faried Extension
Besides a little confusion about just how many years Kenneth Faried’s contract could be extended, Denver Nuggets’ general manager Tim Connelly passed his biggest free agency test yet with an A.
Kenneth Faried and the Nuggets agreed on a four-year, $52 million extension this week. The two sides initially agreed to a five-year, $60 million dollar extension, but that violated the terms of the current collective bargaining agreement between the NBA and the NBAPA. Either way, Kenneth Faried is making more than $10 million dollars a year, and the Nuggets have a unique star locked up for the foreseeable future.
"“It feels good, you know,” Faried told The Denver Post. “I’m a Nugget, I’m staying a Nugget. I’m just ecstatic about the opportunity and this up-and-coming year.”"
It also must feel good for Connelly. Coming into this offseason, he hasn’t had to face anything like getting Faried to ink an fair extension before the October 31 deadline. It was his first test as a negotiator as the Nuggets general manager, and he got Faried right at the right price – under the max, but still for enough to pay Faried what he’s worth. $12 million a year is just right amount following Faried’s stellar play post all-star break where he averaged close to 20 points and 10 rebounds a game, and his excellent summer where he was named all tournament at the FIBA World Cup.
"“We value the energy and excitement that Kenneth brings night in and night out and we are thrilled to have reached an agreement on a contract extension,” Connelly told Nuggets.com. “We are truly looking forward to watching Kenneth continue to grow as a player and leader for the Denver Nuggets.”"
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I bet Connelly and the ownership is also looking forward to all that merchandising money “the Manimal” brings in as a fan favorite. He may be worth his salary just from the national attention and money the explosive player brings to the Denver Nuggets.
The Nuggets’ salary cap is also poised to go up with the NBA’s new TV contract, and by year four of Faried’s extension he won’t be taking as much as a chunk as he is currently. Plus, Connelly is saving his team from the daily distraction the media would have brought when they asked about Faried’s impending free agency for the Nuggets after every single game. This team, and Faried, needs to be focused on basketball if they want to make the playoffs in the Western Conference.
Now that he’s getting paid an All-Star salary, Faried’s next step is to keep the stellar play going this season while setting the Nuggets to a playoff run. Im the process, he should be trying to make the All-Star team. Ty Lawson is still the teams best overall player, but Faried has the best chance to make the All-Star game because of his name recognition and highlight reel dunks. It’s up to the pair to set the Nuggets apart in close games and have them in position to make the playoffs at the end of the season.
Between Lawson and Faried, $24 million of Connelly’s salary cap is taken up. Luckily, Connelly’s also aced the trade test (grabbing Arron Afflalo this offseason), and the draft test (grabbing Gary Harris and Jusuf Nurkic last draft) and the Nuggets are in position to put that money to good use by making the playoffs this season.