The Golden State Warriors should sign this veteran free agent
The Golden State Warriors should once again be a hotspot for veterans looking to finally win a championship. Former Hawks forward Danilo Gallinari, who spent the bulk of his prime with the Denver Nuggets, would be a quintessential addition.
He would only be a necessary signing if the Dubs did lose out on the race for Porter Jr., a player expected to have a widespread interest around the NBA. Porter Jr. signed last offseason for the veteran’s minimum.
The Golden State Warriors lost out on Gary Payton II and will likely watch Otto Porter Jr. leave as well. This is one name they should look into adding.
As for Gallo, the 6-foot-10 Italian forward was traded by the Hawks to the Spurs where he was then bought out of his contract. The Spurs will likely be tanking their way to a top pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Gallinari, on the other hand, will, like Porter Jr., have a plethora of suitors. Per Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, Boston and Chicago are the frontrunners, but coming off a championship run, Golden State could have a say as well.
Sounds like Danilo Gallinari will be deciding between Chicago and Boston for his next team. The Bulls have much of the full MLE to offer, roughly $8M AAV and a hair more than the Celtics. But Boston appears to be Gallo's preferred landing spot.
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) June 30, 2022
Gallinari averaged 11.7 points per game last season and shot 38% from deep. He nailed 1.7 threes per game, so he clearly has the skill set to help space the court.
He hauled down 4.7 rebounds per game as well. While the prime of his career is undoubtedly behind him, Gallinari has still averaged double figures every season since he was a rookie more than a decade ago.
Gallinari also played 66 games last season which, for a player that has had injuries concerns throughout his career, is a huge positive.
With a great back-to-the-basket game as well, Gallinari is lethal in the post and mid-range and would be able to help captain a second unit led by Jordan Poole. Gallinari has been on the Hawks bench for two seasons.
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The Warriors could use that strong veteran option at the three if Porter Jr. leaves, and after a few big-time games from the former top-five pick, adding a player like Gallinari to replace him should help quell any depth fears.