5 NBA free agents who could use a change of scenery

1. Danilo Gallinari

Upon arriving on the OKC Thunder, Danilo Gallinari followed in the footsteps of Chris Paul. He didn’t complain about the circumstances that led him to an expected cellar dweller. Gallo simply registered another fine season, where he averaged 18.7 points on 40.5 percent 3-point shooting along with 5.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game in helping the Thunder to the playoffs.

Gallinari has never made it out of the first round in his NBA career. He’s only made the playoffs four times in 11 seasons. It’s a shame considering how valuable his 6’10” sweet-shooting frame could be for any number of contenders.

At 32, time is running out for Gallinari to play for the highest of stakes. Given the layout of free agency, where a majority of the teams with significant cap space aren’t likely to compete for a title next season, he might have to take a massive pay cut to have the chance — a sacrifice he seems willing to make.

OKC’s unexpected postseason push was the best of a situation Gallinari had no control over. But no amount of money could or should make him want to stick around for the teardown that’s already begun.