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NBA: 10 Trade Targets Who Could Help A Playoff Team

By Gerald Bourguet

Nov 27, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) controls the ball against Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Nuggets defeated the Suns 118-114. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) controls the ball against Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Nuggets defeated the Suns 118-114. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 12, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) reacts during the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Pepsi Center. The Pistons won 106-95. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Danilo Gallinari

At some point, the Denver Nuggets will need to move on from their veterans. Cashing in on guys like Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler and Kenneth Faried makes sense, especially since they’d have value for a playoff team.

The Nuggets are still in the thick of the Western Conference playoff “race,” sitting just 1.5 games out of the eighth seed. However, for a team that’s lost five of its last six games, if the right offer came along for the 28-year-old veteran, it’d probably be time to move on from the Rooster.

Gallo is the Nuggets’ leading scorer at 17.1 points per game, but he’s only shooting 42.7 percent from the field. His value to other teams would be as a short-term rental who could spread the court as a stretch-4 (38.4 percent from downtown).

However, since he can opt out of his $16.1 million player option and join free agency this summer, teams might be hesitant to give up anything valuable for a two-month Gallinari rental. The Nuggets won’t be giving away their leading scorer for nothing as long as the playoffs are in reach, so as much as Gallo might be able to help a playoff team, dealing his $15 million salary feels unlikely.