NBA Trade Grades: Clippers land Danilo Gallinari in 3-team sign-and-trade

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 19: Danilo Gallinari #8 of the Denver Nuggets controls the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Pepsi Center on January 19, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. The Thunder defeated the Nuggets 110-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /

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DENVER, CO – FEBRUARY 21: Danilo Gallinari #8 of the Denver Nuggets takes the court against the Boston Celtics at Pepsi Center on February 21, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /

Denver Nuggets

As soon as the Nuggets agreed to sign Paul Millsap to a three-year, $30 million deal, they were essentially abandoning the possibility of bringing Danilo Gallinari back. Though this sign-and-trade is completely independent from the Millsap signing, it will free up the cap room to make that acquisition official.

The Nuggets would’ve had to renounce Gallo’s rights to get rid of his cap hold, so they’re basically getting a free second round pick (via Washington) for signing-and-trading him to the Clippers instead.

That’s not the sexiest of returns, but Denver was already getting what it wanted in Millsap anyway. This is really just about letting Gallinari go to the free agency destination of his choice and creating some good will with a former fan favorite (and future free agents) in the process.

Grade: C+

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