Nuggets Rumors: Clippers seeking 3rd team for Danilo Gallinari sign-and-trade
By Tom West
The LA Clippers are reportedly looking for a third team to complete a sign-and-trade with the Denver Nuggets for Danilo Gallinari.
Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari is popping up in plenty of NBA free agency rumors now, with the latest coming as a result of the LA Clippers’ persistent interest. In order to acquire his shooting and versatile scoring to pair with Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, the Clippers are seeking a third team to complete a sign-and-trade, according to Sam Amick of USA Today Sports.
While Danilo Gallinari has not made a decision, Clippers are trying to find a 3rd team w/ cap space for possible sign-and-trade with Denver
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) July 2, 2017
It’s not surprising the Clippers’ interest has stayed strong after the loss of Chris Paul to the Houston Rockets. They need more shooting and Gallinari could serve as another high-volume scorer for them, adding 38.9 percent 3-point shooting and the ability to drive and get to the free throw line. Plus, they’ve been looking for a talented wing/versatile forward for years.
So, what could Denver get out of this scenario?
More from Nugg Love
- Was trading Bones Hyland a mistake for the Denver Nuggets?
- Did Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets break Anthony Davis?
- Denver Nuggets stars face serious disrespect in recent NBA rankings poll
- What will it take for Denver Nuggets star to become ‘inevitable?’
- Denver Nuggets NBA Training Camp report, other preseason dates to know
Well, for a start, they may still want to keep Gallinari, even if they are able to sign All-Star power forward Paul Millsap (another sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks could help Denver create more cap space). The Nuggets are still very interested in signing Gallinari, so if the Clippers really want to make a sign-and-trade work, Denver could try sneaking in something in return.
At the top end of the scale, they could ask about Patrick Beverley. He’s an All-Defensive First Team guard making just $5 million per year and is an effective off-ball shooter. Meanwhile, Sam Dekker is a young, athletic, promising combo forward. Both have real value, though, and the Nuggets would probably need to go further down the roster to look for some consolidation. That said, if the Clippers are high enough on adding more scoring and prefer Gallinari over other forward options on the market (such as Rudy Gay), the Nuggets could try to get crafty and land themselves a player back.
Next: Nuggets emerging as clear front runner for Paul Millsap
Denver may not be able to get much in return, but it’s at least something they should ask about if the Clippers find a third team and sign-and-trade talks for Gallinari progress.