Oklahoma City Thunder: Previewing the 2020 offseason

Danilo Gallinari

Other than a possible Chris Paul trade, nothing will tell us more about the Oklahoma City Thunder’s short-term plan than their decision on Danilo Gallinari.

Gallinari is a rare commodity. You don’t often find wings who shoot 40.0 percent from 3-point range with high volume. Only 12 attempted 10 or more per 100 possessions and broke 40.0 percent (Basketball Reference). You really don’t find people his size who can do it. Davis Bertans and Bojan Bogdanovic are the only other jumbo wings who did so in a prominent role.

In addition to his signature skill, Gallo takes and makes a lot of free-throws and is an acceptable passer and defender. He finally seems healthy, and he’s never played better. He played 68 games last year for the Clippers and he’s on pace for 70 this season. Even with a shortage of cap space, he’ll be towards the top of some teams’ wish lists this summer, including Miami, New Orleans, and Phoenix.

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If the Thunder can convince Gallo that they want to contend for a least another season, a two-year contract could be a win-win. If Gallo re-signs with OKC and he and CP3 stay healthy, they should be in the mix. If not, they’ll have two trade deadlines and an offseason to move him.

OKC would hope for something like two years, $45 million to be sufficient for Gallo, but someone else will likely offer more per year, more years, or both. With the possible exception of Miami, re-signing with OKC is probably his clearest path to contending next season. Everything depends on whether the Thunder and Gallinari agree.