Signing Danilo Gallinari with the mid-level exception would be a dream scenario for the Golden State Warriors this offseason.
The 2020 NBA offseason has a chance to help push the Golden State Warriors over the top and back into title contention. With the upcoming NBA Draft and a number of ways to add talent despite strict cap space, the Warriors should be looking to make a splash in the next few months.
One way they can accomplish this is by targeting Danilo Gallinari, who recently expressed he would be open to signing for less than what he’s worth if that means being in a position to compete for a title.
Gallinari has become vastly underrated by the NBA world. He’s averaged 18.8 points on 43.8 percent shooting across the last five seasons and played a pivotal role in helping two underdog teams overachieve and squeeze their way into the playoffs.
The Warriors have a need for a player like Gallinari in their lineup. His shot creation ability is on par with some of the best role players in the game and he would be a natural fit as the team’s third or fourth scoring option.
Considering the fact that Gallinari appears to be willing to take a pay cut to win – we have to assume he would also embrace a bench role with the Dubs. This team-oriented mentality is exactly the type of thing that would help Gallinari succeed in Golden State.
However, it is his scoring prowess that would help him make a long-lasting impact on the franchise. Gallinari is capable of getting buckets from anywhere on the floor. He was in the 72nd percentile for isolation scoring last season and 81st in spot-up shooting.
Plugging Gallinari into the Dubs’ lineup as a sixth man would be a cheat code. He not only adds firepower to the second unit – but brings the type of veteran experience that the Warriors are lacking currently.
The market for the Warriors $6 million dollar MLE will likely be better than they would have expected under normal circumstances. But, due to the odd circumstances of the world, the Dubs will have a wide array of options becoming available to them. Still, none of them would be better than Gallinari.