Miami Heat: 5 potential free agency targets in 2017

3. Danilo Gallinari, SF

A slightly bigger fish the Heat could target is Denver Nuggets swingman Danilo Gallinari. In that report we linked to earlier from the Miami Herald, Jackson stated he would be surprised if Miami made some big-time offer to the Italian small forward.

Miami Heat

And all indication, to this point at least, is that that’s exactly what Gallinari wants — a payday. Can’t really blame him either, as he’s a guy who has experienced his fair share of health problems before, and should absolutely look to capitalize on a 2016-17 campaign in which he was able to suit up in 63 games.

Furthermore, in those 63 games, the 6’10” wing excelled. He averaged 18.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists a night while shooting 44.7 percent from the floor and 38.9 percent from beyond the arc.

Gallinari’s most important ability, however, is his capacity for drawing fouls. His 0.516 free throw rate ranked 10th among players who suited up in at least 40 games, and once he got to the line, he made an absurd 90.2 percent of his attempts.

His foul-drawing prowess, plus his above-average three-point shooting made him one of the most efficient scorers in the NBA last season (31st overall in offensive points added, per NBA Math.)

Miami could make good use of a player with his strengths, and he’d slot in wonderfully to a lineup featuring Dragic, Waiters, J. Johnson and Whiteside…if he accepts a deal under the max. Whether he’d actually be willing to do that or not is another matter entirely.

Never doubt Riley, though.