The New York Knicks are reportedly negotiating a trade of Iman Shumpert for Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried. The trade talks are "intensifying," the New York Daily News reports.
Off to a poor start and with pressure to win from their owner, the Knicks are reportedly shopping Shumpert to the Nuggets for Faried. Although no deal is imminent, the trade talks are heating up.
New York needs depth in their frontcourt. Defensive anchor Tyson Chandler is expected to miss four to six weeks with a broken leg, and both Amar'e Stoudemire and Kenyon Martin are playing restricted minutes because of health concerns.
The Knicks, with a 2-4 record, need a spark. Faried, who's a high-energy rebounder, could be the answer. The 2011 first round pick is averaging 8.8 points and 8.5 rebounds per game this season.
Shumpert, also a 2011 first round pick, is averaging 9.5 points and 4.7 rebounds per game this season. He's also fallen out of favor with coach Mike Woodson and owner James Dolan, according to The Daily News.
Denver would be willing to trade Faried if the Knicks offer Shumpert and draft compensation, according to ESPN.
ESPN also reported on Wednesday that "multiple teams have approached the Knicks with interest in Shumpert and ... New York remains undecided about whether to trade its coveted perimeter defensive specialist."
News of the trade talks gaining steam comes after Dolan's guarantee that the Knicks would win on Thursday. The owner has been vocal about his displeasure with the team's start, and Woodson could be gone before the end of the season if things don't turn around.
