Golden State Warriors: Rebuilding rival looking to move veteran forward before buyout possibility
The Washington Wizards are expected to look for a trade for veteran forward Danilo Gallinari, possibly preventing a buyout opportunity for the Golden State Warriors and other rival teams later in the season.
According to Sam Amico of Hoops Wire, the Wizards are likely to move on from the 35-year-old after he was acquired from the Boston Celtics as part of the Kristaps Porzingis trade during the offseason.
Danilo Gallinari could be a lead buyout option for the Golden State Warriors should the Washington Wizards fail to find a trade for the long-time NBA veteran.
Coming off an ACL injury sustained while playing for Italy in the 2022 offseason, Gallinari has played 12 games and averaged 8.3 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists on 50% shooting from the floor but just 30% from three-point range.
The 2-11 Wizards are expected to be active over the coming months, with Amico outlining Tyus Jones and Landy Shamet as other trade candidates, along with former Warrior guard Jordan Poole.
""The Wizards are expected to look to move forward Danilo Gallinari ahead of the February trade deadline, and likely even closer to the middle of December, when more players become trade-eligible," Amico wrote."
As outlined here, Gallinari could be a lead buyout candidate for the Warriors or other teams should a trade fail to materialize. The 2008 sixth overall pick is making $6.8 million this season, a deal that Golden State is highly unlikely to trade for given they'd have to give up a young asset.
The Warriors have one remaining roster spot after signing Gui Santos to a multi-year deal within the last fortnight. That gives them the flexibility to add another player before the end of the season, although they could also make that happen by waiving Santos' non-guaranteed contract at any point.
Gallinari has been a productive scorer across his NBA career, averaging double-digits in all but this and his rookie season. He's a 38.1% career three-point shooter and holds an offensive skillset that could prove a good fit within the Golden State offense.
With enough rotation questions already presenting themselves, it's unlikely the Warriors want to add anyone else into the mix over the short-term. Who knows where the franchise will be by February though, and Gallinari is a name to at least monitor across the coming weeks/months.
We'll see if the Warriors make a move, but for now, you need to act quickly to claim FanDuel Sportsbook's $150 bonus if Golden State beats Phoenix tonight! Sign up here, deposit at least $10 and then bet $5 or more on the Warriors to win and you'll get $150 in bonus bets if they do. Sign up for FanDuel now!