It’s official. The LA Clippers have agreed on a three team trade that will bring in small forward Danilo Gallinari.
The LA Clippers have agreed to trade for Danilo Gallinari. The small forward will come to the Clippers via a three team sign and trade. This trade will also see free agent Paul Millsap sent to Denver.
Adrian Wojnarowski confirmed the trade via Twitter:
Sources: The Clippers have reached agreement on a three-team deal to acquire free agent Danilo Gallinari on a three-year, $65M contract.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 5, 2017
The Clips will send off Jamal Crawford, Diamond Stone and the 2018 1st round pick acquired via Houston to the Atlanta Hawks.
With the acquisition of Lou Williams in the Chris Paul trade, Jamal Crawford became more expendable. The perennial 6th man of the year contender will most likely look for a buyout from Atlanta, with rumors of him either signing with the Lakers or the Warriors.
Meanwhile, for the Clippers, this move gives the team the versatile small forward that they have been searching for years to get. The addition of Gallinari gives the LA Clippers a formidable front court, which they hope will help keep them competitive in the ever toughening Western Conference.
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In 63 games for the Denver Nuggets last season, the 28 year old Gallinari averaged 18.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting 44.7% from the field, including 38.9% from three. The 6’10 forward will give the Clips more versatility, spacing and the ability to run a small ball lineup featuring him at the 4 and Blake Griffin at the 5.
After this trade, the LA Clippers will most likely look to finish tightening their bench. This may mean bringing in another point guard to play behind Patrick Beverly or adding another big man to play behind Blake Griffin. Although not as heavily loaded with talent in the starting lineup, this looks to be the deepest team the LA Clippers have had.
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