Doesn't make sense for the Celtics. If we can't trade for a star we want to have cap space to sign one next year. Faried's salary would prevent that.
The article implies the Nuggets want to move on from Faried enough to send out Gary Harris in addition. I don't love the idea, but could Stevens rehabilitate Faried's value to make him a tradable
piece for a star? Could he just pair well enough with Horford that a trade isn't necessary? Could Gary Harris take that next step forward that makes Avery Bradley expendable in a trade for a star? If the cost is Amir and a second-rate prospect or two, is that worth the risk of not being able to create room?
I personally think it is. Faried has an elite NBA skill, that just so happens to coincide with a weakness on the team. Meanwhile, his weaknesses (poor offensive decision-making, inability to switch onto perimeter players) would be lessened by a team with multiple other great passing/decision-making bigs, and great perimeter defenders.
Furthermore, it will not cost us a major free agent. There should be a CBA renegotiation between now and the next free agent signing period. The prior two CBA's have included an amnesty clause. It's not unreasonable to expect that this one should as well. If Boston were able to convince another major free agent to come here (something that should not be taken for granted), and if Faried couldn't be dumped with a pick (despite having one fewer season left on his deal), and if we aren't just able to trade for a star this season anyway, then it's still possible that we could simply clear the room by using an amnesty provision on him.
Mind you, I don't think the Nuggets are really as ready to dump Faried as the article suggests, but if they are, and the price is Amir and one of James Young or RJ Hunter, then that is a deal the Celtics should take. There is some risk, but there is some definite opportunity for it to pay off as well.