After Buyout, Danilo Gallinari May Sign with Celtics' Rival

The expectation is for the Wizards to buy out Danilo Gallinari, freeing him to join a contender.

Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Danilo Gallinari came to Boston excited for the chance to play with the team he grew up loving. Unfortunately, an ACL tear while suiting up for the Italian National Team for a FIBA World Cup Qualifier forced him to miss the 2022-23 season.

The 13-year veteran exercised his $6.8 million player option two weeks ago. But last week, leading up to the NBA Draft, that contract helped the Celtics, Wizards, and Grizzlies facilitate a three-team trade sending Marcus Smart to Memphis and Kristaps Porzingis to Boston.

Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reports Gallinari is likely to get bought out of his deal by the team he wound up with, the Wizards.

If that happens, the Heat are considered a possible landing spot for him, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. The six-foot-ten forward almost ended up in Miami in 2020, but that fell through because the Heat, wanting to preserve future cap space, wouldn't give him an extension as part of the arrangement.

Gallinari, a reliable kick-out option and savvy scorer in the low post, averaged 11.7 points and 4.7 rebounds while shooting 38.1 percent from beyond the arc while playing for the Hawks in 2021-22.

Given his size, basketball IQ, and style of play, if he stays healthy, there's good reason to believe he'll prove a positive contributor, likely doing so for a playoff team.

Further Reading

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Jordan Walsh Comes to Boston Eager to Learn from Celtics' Veterans: 'I'm Taking All the Advice I Can'

Jordan Walsh Let's Celtics Fan Know What He Brings to the Table: 'A Guy Who Wants to Do Whatever It Takes to Win'

Jordan Walsh Discusses Getting Drafted by Celtics, His Welcome to Boston

Celtics' Summer League Roster Taking Shape

Brad Stevens Shares What Compelled Celtics to Trade for Kristaps Porzingis

Brad Stevens Discusses Difficult Decision to Trade Marcus Smart: 'He'll Always Have Boston'

After Trading Marcus Smart, Acquiring Kristaps Porzingis, Where Do Celtics Go from Here?

Marcus Smart Felt "Shock" and "Hurt" Over Trade from Boston Celtics

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Marcus Smart Discusses Celtics' Identity, Relationship with Jaylen Brown, Boston's Coaching Hires, and Pursuit of Banner 18