NBA Rumors: Danilo Gallinari Choosing Between Two Eastern Contenders

When the San Antonio Spurs traded breakout star Dejounte Murray to the Atlanta Hawks, it was the draft capital they received (three first-rounders) that was the focus of their concerns; The fact that Danilo Gallinari got added in to the deal was merely a salary-matching, cap-maneuvering move. And it appears that Gallo will get to choose his own new team, very shortly.

After officially completing trade with Hawks today, the Spurs are expected to waive F Danilo Gallinari, sources tell ESPN. As a free agent, Gallinari will be able to choose among contenders in both conferences.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2022

Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the Spurs are expected to waive Gallinari, making him a free agent. Then Gallo gets to choose between two Eastern powerhouse teams that are vying for his services. 

Report: “Sounds like Danilo Gallinari will be deciding between Chicago and Boston for his next team,” via @JakeLFischer pic.twitter.com/JWJLuww0uV

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 30, 2022

Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report has Gallinari deciding between the Chicago Bulls and the Boston Celtics. The Bulls, he says, have most of the full mid-level exception to offer, roughly $8M/year, just a tad more than the Celtics. But Boston "appears to be Gallo's preferred landing spot."

Gallinari averaged 11.7 points for the Hawks this season, while shooting 38% from three, right around his career average.

Photo Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports