Danilo Gallinari has always been known to not be the most buttoned up with his comments to the media. He’s also had a tendency to be refreshingly honest throughout his career.
That was the case Tuesday morning as Gallanari basically said returning to the Nuggets isn’t at the top of his list in free agency, a sentiment not often shared publicly by a player and their current team heading into free agency unless there is clear and very public issues between the player and organization, which there don’t seem to be here.
Here is what Gallanari told an Italian newspaper (translated):
“Nuggets are not my first choice but they are exactly at the same level of the other teams. Denver’s advantage is that they can offer me a five-year contract while other franchises can offer me a four-year deal. Nuggets are at the same level of the others” Gallinari said.”
Danilo Gallanari is truly and completely being transparent and honest here as he is sharing his mental thought process with the reporter in this story…not sure how his agent feels about this confession.
It seems like the Nuggets want to make a splashier move this off-season for a player like Paul Millsap, Kevin Love or Blake Griffin and Gallanari may be a better fit elsewhere.
Miami could make a lot of sense as a stretch four alongside Hassan Whiteside if they strike out on Gordon Hayward and Blake Griffin. Plus, how much fun would Danilo Gallanari have in Miami? Maybe a little too much…
A guy that can give you 18 and six while shooting about 40% from three-point range is a valuable commodity in today’s NBA and he would be a great stretch four next to a defensive-minded five, not to mention a great third scoring option on your team.
Expect Gallo to get paid this summer.