Danilo Gallinari has been acquired by the LA Clippers, joining in a three team sign and trade deal.
The LA Clippers’ new small forward signed a three-year deal worth $65 million and will become a crucial part of the new era at the franchise. In exchange, the Clips sent Jamal Crawford, Diamond Stone and a 2018 1st round draft pick to the Atlanta Hawks in a bid to stay competitive next year.
Considering where they were when Chris Paul shocked the world to move to Houston, the LA Clippers are in a solid position right now. And the acquisition of Gallinari is one of the reasons why. The versatile forward has been targeted by Doc Rivers for two years now. Now he joins a frontcourt with All-Stars Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan.
Gallinari said during his first press conference as a Clipper:
"“One of the reasons I chose L.A. is because of the team that we have. So I have no doubt that I’m gonna fit in. And like Doc said, I’m very versatile so I can fit into different systems. The excitement I have to play for Doc and this team is great and I think that I will fit in wherever.”"
The Italian was one of the most efficient scorers in the NBA last season scoring 18.2 points per game with a field goal percentage of 44.7. Gallinari developed a great relationship with Nikola Jokic last season. Now he can develop a similar connection with one of the league’s best passing big men in Griffin. Gallinari is smart, tenacious and a strong competitor. His play-making and scoring abilities will help the Clippers get over the loss of Chris Paul.
Gallo has risen to many challenges during his 7 year NBA career. And now he faces his biggest challenge with the LA Clippers. But there is no reason to see why the 28-year old cannot produce once again.
Be ready to welcome Danilo Gallinari on Tuesday at the LA Clippers introductory press conference and give him a follow on Twitter. And as always, make sure to keep checking back here at Clipperholics for all your news and updates and make sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook!