How OKC Thunder can capitalize on Danilo Gallinari desire to join contender

What this all means for OKC Thunder General Manager, Sam Presti and Danilo Gallinari is fairly simple. Both wil be desirous of a productive campaign. Gallinari may not be as concerned about making the move this season, but based on his comments it would stand to reason getting an opportunity to win now versus waiting another season would be more desirable.

Still, there are a few options on how the team can proceed with Gallo.

1. 1. Keep him for the season and let his contract run its course allowing him to enter the offseason as a free agent to go join whatever team he desires.
   2.  Build a rapport with the Italian positioning the situation for him to be a part of something special (the R and R rebuild) with the goal of competing for a title in a few years.
   3. Feature him predominantly in the offense with the goal of moving him to a contender at the trade deadline and getting back young assets and/or picks in the trade.

Ultimately, the best case scenario for both the big man and the Thunder would be to move him at the trade deadline. Based on those three simple sentences it sure doesn’t sound like the Italian, although only 30, would be willing to wait a few seasons for the Thunder to get their R and R in place for a title run.

Therefore, the goal should be to put Gallinari in a position to not only succeed but excel. As the OKC Thunder fans were reminded of recently via the trades of the teams two superstars Sam Presti is adept at leveraging teams when afforded that possibility. That should be the goal of the team and Gallo as they enter the 2019-20 season.