3 potential Danilo Gallinari free agency destinations
2. Denver Nuggets
Another possible destination for Danilo Gallinari in free agency would be a reunion with the Denver Nuggets. Gallinari played for the Nuggets from 2011 – 2017 where he served as a key contributor in transitioning the direction of the franchise.
Denver has an interesting situation that involves many decisions in this upcoming offseason after losing general manager Arturas Karnisovas to the Chicago Bulls in April.
Their current starting power forward, Paul Millsap, is also set to become an unrestricted free agent. Millsap has been a valuable piece to the Nuggets, but is 35 years old and likely out of his prime.
The Nuggets could view Danilo Gallinari as the better option since they could value an offensive boost. Nuggets head coach Mike Malone has already established an elite defense in Denver as they have only allowed an average of 107.4 points per game so far this season, eighth-best in the league. So improving the offense could be the priority.
Denver is only scoring 110.4 points per game on average during the 2019-20 season (20th in the NBA). They might be third in the Western Conference standings at the moment, but not many see them as legit title contenders.
If the Nuggets want to raise their level as title contenders next season, they need to improve their offense. Danilo Gallinari can help them in that area with his shooting abilities as a stretch four.
The potential for Denver’s starting lineup next season would be intriguing if they can sign Gallinari.
- PG Jamal Murray
- SG Gary Harris
- SF Michael Porter Jr.
- PF Danilo Gallinari
- C Nikola Jokic
The only issue is the effect that Gallinari would have on the defense due to his lack of defensive abilities and athleticism on the perimeter. Nevertheless, the Nuggets may not let that get in the way of signing a top offensive weapon in this somewhat weak 2020 free-agent class.
As for the contract talks, Denver could be willing to offer Gallinari an attractive multi-year contract, something that he may prefer rather than a one-year deal.
If Gallinari and the Nuggets can come to terms on a reunion this offseason, it could turn out to be a more successful journey than Gallinari’s previous stint in the Mile High City.