Danilo Gallineri seems to have found his new home with just under two weeks remaining in the buyout market. The former Knicks forward was waived by Pistons, and now his agent has opened up about his next move.
At this stage of his career, Gallineri is seen as a player who brings veteran experience with a budget-friendly fee. The same was in mind for his reported employer as reports surface indicating the Bucks’ approach.
Danilo Gallinari reportedly signs with the Bucks
As per NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski, Danilo Gallinari’s agent Michael Tellem has informed ESPN that the 35-year-old has agreed to sign with the Milwaukee Bucks. Danilo was traded to the Detroit Pistons in mid-January but was waived in a month in the latest trade and became a free agent. The signing is not officially confirmed yet.
Free agent F Danilo Gallinari plans to sign with the Milwaukee Bucks, his agent Michael Tellem of @excelbasketball tells ESPN. Gallinari — a 14-year veteran — chose the Bucks over a few contenders because of the opportunity to play a role in Doc Rivers’ frontline rotation. pic.twitter.com/Lnx3Q0pCy1
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 15, 2024
Doc River, who started coaching the Bucks from late January said that they needed an experienced player with shooting ability and someone who can boost the team with the winning mentality.
He said, “shooting and size, it matters. And veteran leadership. A guy that knows how to play the game. Great passer. Someone like that.”
Danilo has played under Doc before in the LA Clippers between 2017 to 2019.The forward has recorded 7.3 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists playing in 14.8 minutes per game so far this season. Playing for 7 teams in his 14 seasons of service, Danilo has averaged 15.2 points, 4.7 rebounds in 760 regular season games.
Danilo Gallinari reportedly talked with Cavaliers before Bucks move
Danilo allegedly had spoken to other franchises, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, before coming to a conclusion. There are fewer opportunities at the Cavaliers, as they are performing well with their current team sitting second in the Eastern Conference table, racing for the playoffs and not looking to disrupt their setup.
Gallinari seriously considered several teams – including Clippers, Cavaliers and Bulls – before choosing the Bucks where he'll have opportunity for a strong role under his old coach Doc Rivers. https://t.co/6BfxVW0ztl
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 15, 2024
The reason stated for the veteran’s decision to agree to sign with the Bucks is that he will be given a stronger role under his former coach. In one of his finest seasons in almost 16 years, the forward averaged 18.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists when he played under Doc with the Clippers, shooting at a 40.8% three-point range.
The Milwaukee Bucks are looking shaky under Rivers as the third-seeded team in the Eastern Conference and will face the Minnesota Timberwolves next after the NBA All-Star break. The signing is expected to be finalized once the break is over.
