Back in February, the Miami Heat tried trading for Danilo Gallinari at the trade deadline. They also offered the forward an extension. However, Gallinari never agreed to the extension and remained in Oklahoma City. Now, according to Five Reasons Sports, the team remains interested in pursuing the forward in free agency.
Can report along with @ClutchNBA5R that the Miami Heat are still very focused on Thunder FA forward Danilo Gallinari and are investigating several ways to bring him to Miami.
— Five Reasons Sports Network (@5ReasonsSports) November 15, 2020
How He Fits with the Heat
At age 32, Gallinari could be in for his final payday in free agency. While he could earn more, he’s indicated that winning is more important at this stage of his career. Injuries have plagued the forward throughout his career but this past season he showed durability. In Oklahoma, he posted season averages of 18.7 points and 5.2 rebounds over 62 games on 40.5 percent shooting from downtown. He would be a terrific fit alongside Bam Adebayo on the offensive end.
Bringing in Gallinari won’t be easy. Miami’s cap space disappears if they choose to re-sign their own free agents, Goran Dragic and Jae Crowder. They do, however, have the option of creating more space if they trade the expiring contracts of Andre Iguodala and Kelly Olynyk. There’s also the option of offering the $9.3 million full mid-level exception.
As said over a million times, the Heat are targeting Giannis Antetokounmpo in the 2021 free agency. With the team eyeing the 2021 free agency class, they will likely offer Gallinari a team-friendly deal. Gallinari may be interested if winning is that important. It’s going to be interesting to watch how this all plays out.
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Main Credit Image: https://okcthunderwire.usatoday.com/2020/01/23/report-76ers-mavericks-expressed-interest-danilo-gallinari/
