The Knicks need a lot of help, and the New York Daily News is reporting that the Knicks are seriously considering trading Iman Shumpert to the Denver Nuggets for forward Kenneth Faried.
According to a league source, no deal is imminent although the struggling Knicks feel they need to make a move to bolster their banged up front court.
Tyson Chandler is out at least one month after breaking his leg last week while both Amar’e Stoudemire and Kenyon Martin have been placed on a minute’s restriction because if their health.
Shumpert, a former first pick, has fallen out of favor with both head coach Mike Woodson and owner James Dolan. And with J.R. Smith promoted to the starting lineup at shooting guard for Wednesday’s game against the Atlanta Hawks, Shumpert will likely lose his starting spot once Chandler returns.
Faried, a native of Newark, N.J., is an undersized power forward but his work rate makes him one of the NBA’s top rebounders.
The deal makes sense for both.
Shumpert would give the Nuggets another top flight athlete to play out west, and give Brian Shaw the rugged defensive combo guard he cherishes.
Faried would instantly give the Knicks heart and attitude, allow Mike Woodson to play him at two or three different positions.