Denver Nuggets: 5 goals for the 2018 offseason

2. Move Kenneth Faried this summer or find a role for him in the rotation

The Denver Nuggets continue to drag their feet with big man Kenneth Faried and it’s been an interesting storyline to say the least. They’ve been unable to get much out of Faried since signing him to a four-year, $50 million extension back in October 2014.

In the early going, Faried was considered one of the up-and-coming big men in the league. He was an All-Rookie selection in 2011-12 after averaging 10.2 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game. The next season, he averaged 11.5 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks per contest in 80 appearances. Since signing his extension, he’s gradually fallen off over time.

He officially fell out of the rotation back on Dec. 15 after being outplayed by teammates Trey Lyles and Nikola Jokic. Considering Jokic is Denver’s best hope at victory, it’s no surprise head coach Mike Malone would voice his opinion, but it makes you wonder if Faried knows what his role is.

He averaged 5.9 points and 4.8 rebounds in 14.4 minutes per game in 32 appearances in 2017-18. It seems he’s had trouble adjusting to the dynamic in the West that’s leaning more towards shooting the 3-ball, but that’s where it’s up to Denver’s front office to come up with a solution.

Faried will be an unrestricted free agent after next season, so his expiring deal could be a signing point depending who the buyer is. If they can’t move Faried, they’ll need to figure out a positive solution for both sides, even it means waiving him altogether.