Inside The Celtics

Wizards Make a Decision on Former Celtic Danilo Gallinari

An ACL injury cost Danilo Gallinari the 2022-23 season, but he averaged 11.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and shot 38.1 percent from beyond the arc with the Hawks in 2021-22.

Bobby Krivitsky

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
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Unfortunately for Danilo Gallinari, an ACL injury suffered while playing for the Italian National Team in a FIBA World Cup Qualifier last summer prevented him from living his dream of playing for the Celtics, the team he grew up loving as a child.

The 13-year veteran then got traded to the Wizards this offseason in the deal that brought Kristaps Porzingis to Boston and saw Marcus Smart, previously the longest-tenured player on the team, relocate to Memphis after nine years with the Celtics, during which they never missed the playoffs.

Washington waiving Gallinari, freeing him to join a contender, seemed to be a likely next step for the soon-to-be 35-year-old forward, who may start playing some center at this stage of his career.

Had he gotten bought out of his expiring $6.8 million contract, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported the Heat were a potential landing spot for him.

However, it appears Gallinari will at least start the 2023-24 campaign with the Wizards.

That makes sense for Washington, considering if he contributes and stays healthy, it can probably acquire a second-round pick for him. Otherwise, the franchise can buy him out during the season.

Further Reading

Dwyane Wade Discusses Jayson Tatum's Next Step, Him and Jaylen Brown's Challenge, Heat Culture, Pat Riley, Damian Lillard, and Life After Basketball

Jaylen Brown Wants Record-Setting Contract with Celtics to Spark Revolutionary Goals

Despite Extension, This Season Could Be Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum's Last Chance at a Championship Together

Why Celtics Should Enter 2023-24 Season Optimistic About Most Important Area of Improvement

Payton Pritchard Officially Named to USA Select Team

Amid Negotiations with Celtics, Jaylen Brown Continues Giving Back to Community He Stars In: 'Nothing Fills My Heart More'

Intriguing Option for Celtics May Soon Become Available

Sam Cassell Discusses What Brought Him Back to Boston and What He'll Bring to the Celtics

Oshae Brissett on Joining Celtics: 'I Just Want to Go Win'

Marcus Smart Reflects on His Time with Celtics: 'I Left Everything I Had'

Evaluating Celtics' Options in Free Agency

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Bobby Krivitsky
BOBBY KRIVITSKY

Bobby Krivitsky's experiences include covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter for Basketball Insiders. He's also a national sports talk host for SportsMap Radio, a network airing on 96 radio stations throughout the country. Additionally, he was a major-market host, update anchor, and producer for IMG Audio, and he worked for Bleacher Report as an NFL and NBA columnist.

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