Danilo Gallinari, OKC Thunder
With forwards being the most important position in today’s game, getting a 20+ ppg scorer for cheap is a dream for contenders. That’s where Danilo Gallinari comes into play.
Coming off a healthy season, Gallo showed the league that when he’s healthy, he is a bonafide scorer. He’s always shown that potential in his career, however, he’s been derailed by a multitude of injuries.
However, if he can stay healthy in OKC and can produce similar or even better numbers, I don’t envision him ending the season with them. As soon as he’s eligible to be traded, the Thunder are going to be bombarded with calls.
And why is that?
Gallo, first of all, is a lethal shooter who is versatile enough to play either forward position. Secondly, he is on the last year of his deal, so it doesn’t hamper a potential suitor’s cap space.
For the Thunder, why would the want to keep him? The name of the game is rebuilding and Gallo can get you a first-rounder and even maybe a solid young guy.
So regarding who may go after him, I can see either the Trail Blazers, Heat, Mavericks, Timberwolves or the Pacers going after Gallo. All those teams are in need of a scoring forward and Gallo, whether he starts or comes off their bench, can do just that.
Me personally, I would love the fit of him with the Trail Blazers or maybe even the Pacers as both those teams are in need of frontcourt scoring.