How OKC Thunder can capitalize on Danilo Gallinari desire to join contender
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The one part of the 30 year olds comments which may or may not hurt the Thunder is Gallinari’s statement about money not mattering. In the interview, Gallo makes it clear the only thing that will matter to him this offseason will be joining a team who can win the title and that money will not be the driving factor.
On the other hand, that may also serve to help Presti move the forward and if the GM works closely with Gallinari’s agent they could form a shortlist of teams he is open to re-signing with. That becomes a factor at the deadline as teams don’t want to be in a situation like the Bucks were with Nikola Mirotic who was a short term rental that left this summer and cost Milwaukee four picks (albeit second-round picks– but still an expensive rental).
Don’t hold me to it, but for some reason I envision the Nuggets being a squad where Gallo would be open to landing. It’s the team he spent six seasons with and is loaded with depth, but Denver may want to add more shooting and an all-around talent as well as insurance for Paul Millsap in case of injury. Ironically, what could hinder that becoming a reality is Presti already traded Jerami Grant to the Nuggets and a solid season from him could make this a moot point.
Regardless, if Gallinari shines there will be teams lining up.