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3 Landing Spots For Denver Nuggets’ Danilo Gallinari

By Josh Eberley

Jan 10, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Denver Nuggets need to consider parting ways with Danilo Gallinari prior to the NBA trade deadline.

Jan 10, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Danilo Gallinari is averaging a career-high 19 points per game, has a career-high Player Efficiency Rating (19.4), and it hardly matters. The Denver Nuggets are in a putrid state with no hope of a trip to the postseason. They are in a position of weakness, playing well enough to avoid getting a top-five pick, and yet playing too poorly to sneak into the playoffs.

The Nuggets should start thinking about the next few years.

Gallinari has two more years on his deal, the second is a player option. So hypothetically, next year could be Gallinari’s last year with the team, whether they like it or not. Why waste his talent on a below-average team?

Related Story: 25 Best Players to Play for the Denver Nuggets

Nov 9, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) celebrates with guard Will Barton (5) after a play in the fourth quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Trail Blazers 108-104. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) celebrates with guard Will Barton (5) after a play in the fourth quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Trail Blazers 108-104. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

The Nuggets would be better served getting something in return for Gallinari via trade to build on for the future.

Gallinari is 27 years old, a great age for teams looking to add him to an already growing and promising core. He’s also mature enough as a player to be the piece that pushes a contender over the top.

Gallinari can’t be traded until Feb. 2 while the NBA trade deadline is on Feb. 19, meaning the Nuggets will have to work diligently to find the right fit. Who could make a move for Gallinari? Let’s take a look at a few teams fighting for playoff spots and possibly a contender looking to go all in.

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