The Dallas Mavericks are looking for a third superstar and that person could be Danilo Gallinari. The Mavs are holding discussions with the Oklahoma City Thunder in a sign-and-trade scenario. Gallinari is coming off a good season with the Thunder and there are multiple teams interested in his services.
The deal would also include the Mavs’ 18th pick. Dallas selected Josh Green from the recently concluded 2020 NBA Draft. If both agree, Green is likely to be included in the package.
According to NBA reporter Matt Babcock, the two clubs are already in deep talks on a Gallinari trade. If sealed, Dallas would have its much-needed third star moving forward.
With Kristaps Porzingis unlikely to play the early part of the 2020-21 NBA season after undergoing second knee surgery, the Italian should be a timely addition for head coach Rick Carlisle. He and Luka Doncic would be tasked to hold the fort until the Latvian center is cleared to return to NBA action.
For the Thunder, the revamp continues as they send off big names this season. Already dealt out were Chris Paul (Phoenix Suns) and Dennis Schroder (Los Angeles Lakers). Danny Green, someone the Thunder acquired in the Schroder trade, is set to be dealt to the Philadelphia 76ers for veteran Al Horford in what could be a salary dump.
The Thunder could end up buying out or waving Horford with the club focusing on adding young blood and keeping their young core. More names could be moved out. Among the names include Steven Adams who is expected to draw heavy interest for teams in need of a man in the middle.
Gallinari is a good addition to any NBA team. He has kept himself in shape through yoga and mixed martial arts. One person who he has been working with is former Denver Nuggets strength and conditioning coach Steve Hess.
In a recent appearance at the “Bouncepass” podcast, Hess was asked by guest host Brian Yalung on the latest on the Italian player. Below was his response.
“So here is the thing. I’m not really concerned about where he ends up. But I will say this, you will get a bigger and badder Gallo. He is going to be a different beast. So whatever team gets him, the will be really, really lucky,” Hess said.
Last season, Gallinari played in 62 games averaging 18.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists. He also shot 47.6 % from the field and 40.5 % from the three-point region.
