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Could Hawks Take Kenneth Faried for the 14th Pick?

ByChris Guest|
NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 06: Kenneth Faried #35 of the Denver Nuggets reacts during the second half of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on December 6, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 06: Kenneth Faried #35 of the Denver Nuggets reacts during the second half of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on December 6, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

The Denver Nuggets have expressed interest in dumping Kenneth Faried’s sizable salary, and the prize would be the 14th pick. Should the Hawks take that dead salary for such a low pick?

In a word: Yes. In two words: For sure. In three words: I mean… duh.

You get the idea. This is a slam-dunk move for the Hawks as they move into the second year of a rebuild – though last year was a bit rocky on that front, as former Coach Mike Budenholzer led the team to some wins they likely did not deserve, especially considering their talent level (which was minimal).

The Hawks are sitting pretty with 4 picks in the top 34 slots of this sneakily deep draft, but you know what would be nice? Another pick. A pick that is still technically a lottery pick would be even nicer.

For the Nuggets, Faried only has one year left on his deal at $13.7 million for next year, but the team is looking to nab a solid wing for what will likely be a playoff campaign in 2018-19.

The Nugs just barely missed the postseason in 2017-18, falling on the final day of the season to the Timberwolves in a move that helped the Hawks secure the 19th overall pick.

If the Hawks were to get the 14th overall pick in the draft for the low, low price of taking on Faried’s salary, which is actually cheaper than both Dennis Schröder’s and Kent Bazemore’s, they would be sitting pretty with a whopping 5 top-34 picks in the 2018 draft.

Not only that, but Faried seemingly still has some game, and usually plays with high energy and effort – especially as a rebounder. He played a career-low 461 minutes and also had career-lows in Player Efficiency Rating (17.4) and win shares (1.3).

He would likely be given more playing time than his previous season, and even if he has lost some of that athleticism and explosiveness he expressed in his younger years, the Hawks only have him for one season, so it’s no big deal.

Next: 4 Possible NBA Draft Steals for Hawks

Taking on one year of bad salary for a high-upside selection at 14th overall would be an incredible gift that the Hawks would gladly take if the Nuggets are indeed hellbent on jettisoning Faried’s salary for next season.