Fri, Jul 13, 2018 at 12:45pm

NETS GET FARIED, ARTHUR, PICK IN DENVER SALARY DUMP

The Brooklyn Nets acquired power forward / center Kenneth Faried and power forward / center Darrell Arthur, a protected 1st-round draft pick in 2019, and a future 2nd-round draft pick from the Denver Nuggets for guard Isaiah Whitehead.

What does it give the Brooklyn Nets
Essentially the Nets are helping the Nuggets dump salary for the upcoming season; the contracts of Faried and Arthur combine to total about $21 million for 2018-19. That said, the good news for Nets fans is both deals expire after next season (freeing up major cash for 2019 free agency) and both of Faried and Arthur can help the young Nets be competitive. Brooklyn also gets the first rounder, which is top-12 protected (so expect the Nets to receive this pick, because the likely-playoff-bound Nuggets probably won't have a high draft pick next summer).

What does it give the Denver Nuggets
Moving out both of Faried and Arthur in the same transaction is huge financially for the Nuggets, especially since this swap helps Denver sign free agent point guard Isaiah Thomas (which they have already done). Then again, it might be a bit expensive in terms of future talent since first-round picks usually bring talented players. As for Whitehead, he's an athletic combo guard who might bring solid depth if he keeps developing.

Fantasy impact
Both of Faried and Arthur are talented big men, and both have shown the ability to be solid NBA starters if given the chance. That should make them valued contributors in the Brooklyn big man rotation next season (assuming both are kept around). They will both likely be motivated to play well heading into a contract year. Expect there to be a heated competition early on for minutes at power forward and center (with Faried, Arthur, and Ed Davis pushing Jarrett Allen, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, and DeMarre Carroll). Whitehead looks unlikely to crack Denver's deep rotation in the coming campaign.