Danilo Gallinari, a former NBA first-round pick, is aiming to play one more season before he hangs up his sneakers for good.
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In a chat with Mario Frongia of La Repubblica, Gallinari expressed his desire to stay in the NBA, ruling out a return to Italy just yet.
“I’m not heading back to Italy now,” he stated. “There’s still time for me in the market; anything can happen. As for Miami, it’s not my time yet, and we’ll see what’s next based on other free agents. I’m open to any competitive franchise,” he added.
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Last season, the 6-foot-10 forward suited up for the Washington Wizards, Detroit Pistons, and Milwaukee Bucks. He averaged 5.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists, shooting 43.7% from the field and 32.2% from beyond the arc. After missing the entire 2022-23 season due to a torn ACL, he’s eager to prove he still has what it takes.
Gallinari was initially touted as a key free-agent signing for the Boston Celtics, but his injury shifted those plans, leading to his trade to Washington as part of a larger deal involving Kristaps Porzingis.
During his time with the Wizards, he played 26 games before being traded to the Pistons, where he appeared in just six games before they waived him. He then joined the Bucks in mid-February, though his role was limited, averaging just 9.1 minutes across 17 games.
The Italian forward began his professional career in 2004 with Casalpusterlengo, playing four years in Italy before making the leap to the NBA. Two months ahead of the 2008 draft, he declared himself eligible while also inking a deal with Reebok.
The New York Knicks selected Gallinari sixth overall in the 2008 NBA Draft, and after three seasons there, he showcased his talents with other teams including the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Atlanta Hawks, Wizards, Pistons, and Bucks.
As the NBA regular season approaches, it remains uncertain if any teams will take a chance on the 36-year-old.
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