2017 NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal so far
Danilo Gallinari: 3 years, $65 million (Los Angeles Clippers)
Sources: The Clippers have reached agreement on a three-team deal to acquire free agent Danilo Gallinari on a three-year, $65M contract.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 5, 2017
As first reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution‘s Chris Vivlamore, the Los Angeles Clippers are finally adding the small forward they’ve needed for years with a Danilo Gallinari sign-and-trade involving the Denver Nuggets and Atlanta Hawks. ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski later reported the deal for Gallo would be worth $65 million over three years.
In the process, the Clippers will be sending Jamal Crawford, Diamond Stone and a 2018 first round draft pick (top-three protected, via the Houston Rockets) to the Hawks. That, plus Chris Paul’s departure and the loss of a first-rounder they had for less than a week, hurts. However, after re-signing Blake Griffin, a deal like this was bound to come — even if it sacrifices their cap situation for 2018 and beyond.
The Gallo addition comes several years too late to save the Lob City era, but this is a pretty solid way to round out the frontcourt and bounce back from the loss of Paul. Gallinari is an excellent three-point shooter, solid defender and efficient player who will live up to his contract on a regrouping team as long as he can just stay healthy. That last part is a legitimate concern, but getting rid of Crawford’s contract and signing the versatile Gallo might still be worth it. Here’s hoping Doc Rivers can figure out when to get him minutes as a small-ball 4, his best position.
Bourguet Grade: C+
HoopsHabit Grade: B-