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Toronto Raptors: Trade Deadline Rumors Roundup

By Jordan Treske

Feb 10, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) looks on during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 117-112. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 10, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) looks on during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 117-112. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 8, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) looks up during the 2nd half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. The Nets won, 105-104. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) looks up during the 2nd half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. The Nets won, 105-104. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

Could Kenneth Faried Be A Raptor?

The Denver Nuggets have been one of the more surprising teams this season and while a playoff berth seems unlikely at this point, they have a much brighter future compared to where they were this time last year.

However, they’re still on the ground floor of their rebuilding process and it would be smart on their part to explore any deals that include players that might not be a part of their long-term plans.  One of those players could be Kenneth Faried.

Faried has ties to Raptors GM Masai Ujiri as he was the first draft pick Ujiri selected as the GM of the Nuggets in 2011 and that certainly connects any possible interest between the two teams, according to Marc Stein and Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com.

Where the problem arises, however, is Faried’s fit on the team.  A potential frontcourt of Faried and Valanciunas doesn’t scream defensive success as both players have deficiencies on that end.  Additionally, Faried isn’t that dynamic offensively to be considered an upgrade over Patterson and Scola.

Faried’s hustle and energy would be welcomed by a slow, methodical team like the Raptors (they’re currently ranked 26th in pace), but it would be a tough fit for the team beyond that.

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