Of the teams most often rumored to be involved in a draft-day trade, sources say the Nuggets have emerged as the most likely to pull off a deal, whether ahead of Thursday’s draft or soon thereafter.

That’s because the Nuggets enter Thursday’s draft with three first-round picks — as do the Celtics, Sixers and Suns — but also hold the best young-veteran asset, forward Kenneth Faried. While he has not issued a trade demand from the Nuggets, it’s no secret that Faried does not feel included in Denver’s future plans and would welcome a move.

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Faried, who turned 27 in November, averaged 12.5 points and 8.7 rebounds last season, and continues to be a good defensive forward. But Faried does not quite fit the mold of the NBA’s modern power-forward — he has attempted only 13 career 3-pointers and is unlikely to ever be a guy who stretches the floor.

Still, Faried has value not only in his role, but because the league’s new television deal and expanding salary cap makes his contract (three years and $39 million remaining) very reasonable. While the Nuggets have gotten offers for Danilo Gallinari, it’s Faried they’re most aggressively trying to move.

Among the teams the Nuggets have talked with that have warmed to a trade for Faried, a source said, is Minnesota. New coach Tom Thibodeau has long been a fan of his. Thibodeau was part of the Team USA staff when Faried competed in the World Cup in 2014, and has had an affinity toward him since, and the ex-Bulls coach would like to acquire a big man who can provide interior toughness to pair with Rookie of the Year center Karl-Anthony Towns.

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The Timberwolves have a raft of solid young players on the roster, and also hold the No. 5 pick in this year’s draft. If the Nuggets do not pull off a trade of Faried before the draft, look for him to be back on the block after the first wave of free agents signs next month.

Magic going after former Gators

The Magic have been linked with Kentucky big man Skal Labissiere, and if he’s on the board when they pick, he makes the most sense, mostly because the Magic will spend the rest of the summer pushing to upgrade by adding veterans through free agency, allowing them to take a risk on a player like Labissiere.

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The Magic’s strategy, a source told Sporting News recently, will involve luring former Florida Gators back to Central Florida. That means former Gator champs Joakim Noah and Al Horford, but also includes Mavericks small forward Chandler Parsons, who will be a free agent this summer, too.

If only Corey Brewer were a free agent …

Suns moving Eric Bledsoe?

Another young veteran who will be firmly on the trading block is Eric Bledsoe of the Suns, as Phoenix seeks to rebalance its guard-heavy roster and hopes to add frontcourt help. The Suns have interest in drafting point guard Kris Dunn of Providence with the No. 4 pick, which would give them a rookie to develop while cashing in on Bledsoe’s value.

Of course, that value took a serious hit last winter when Bledsoe had the third knee surgery of his career. Bledsoe had the meniscus in his right knee repaired in 2011, and removed altogether in 2014. He had his left meniscus repaired in December. Removing the meniscus essentially leaves the bones of the knee rubbing against each other, and leaves players susceptible to tendinitis and bone bruises. That’s why doctors try to repair a meniscus before removing it.

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“It’s definitely a case of selling low if they trade him now,” one general manager told Sporting News. “Those knees are serious red flags and you figure it is only a matter of time before both of them will be removed.”

Dwyane Wade, for example, had his meniscus removed in college and has struggled with knee pain throughout his career. It was pointed out that Wade has still been productive despite his knee issue, but the GM said, “Bledsoe is not Dwyane Wade.”

Juan Hernangomez intriguing piece for Raptors, others

One of the more interesting prospects who figures to go in the 20s is 20-year-old Spaniard Juan Hernangomez, who can shoot from the perimeter and will develop into a stretch-4. The Raptors are said to be particularly interested in Hernangomez, and he’d clearly fit their desire to beef up their front line.

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Hernangomez also offers some flexibility for teams picking late in the draft, because he is technically a free agent, and can sign on with an NBA team for next year without paying a buyout. But he’s also told teams he is willing to play another year in Europe before coming to play in the NBA. That could be beneficial for playoff teams willing to let Hernangomez develop without using an NBA roster spot.