NBA Trade Rumors 2013: NY Knicks, Denver Nuggets Intensify Negotiation For Iman Shumpert - Kenneth Faried Swap

The New York Knicks and the Denver Nuggets reportedly discussed a potential trade involving Iman Shumpert and Kenneth Faried, two of the biggest names floating in the NBA trade market.

According to Frank Isola of New York Daily News, the Nuggets and the Knicks intensified talks about the Shumpert-Faried trade, but quickly added that no deal is imminent so far because the Nuggets' asking price is still too high. The Nuggets are reportedly asking for additional draft picks or young assets in return.

Shumpert, who is expected to lose his starting spot soon, is the biggest trade asset for the Knicks in their bid to land a frontcourt player that would give them a boost this season.

The Knicks are expected to shore up their banged-up frontline. Starting center Tyson Chandler remains on the sideline due to a broken leg, while former All-Star Amar'e Stoudemire is still playing under strict minutes restriction due to his recurring knee injuries.

Knicks coach Mike Woodson did not directly confirm the team's plan of acquiring another power forward or center, but he admitted hearing trade rumors and added that every player should be ready as it is a part of the business.

"I heard some rumors," Woodson confirmed in a statement via ESPN. "It's part of our business. I always try to tell young players if your name is being floated out there, that's a good thing. It means somebody wants you."

Shumpert also addressed the rumors, admitting that he was frustrated at first, but coach Woodson told him not to worry about it and just continue playing his game for the Knicks.

"Yeah, it p****ed  me off, but that's what the New York media does. It's not the first time. It happens," Shumpert said. "Woodson told me not to worry about it. He said that if they put you in trade rumors, other people want you and you should smile about it."