Boston Celtics veteran forward Danilo Gallinari has officially opted in to the final year of his contract, a player option worth $6.8 million, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Gallinari joined the Celtics in free agency last summer before tearing his left ACL a few weeks later playing for his native Italy in a FIBA qualifying game. Gallinari did not appear in any games for Boston last year.
Prior to his injury, however, there was hopes Gallinari could provide the Celtics with some shooting and veteran leadership off the bench. Now healthy, Wojnarowski reported Gallinari is expected to have a “sizable role” with Boston next season.
During the 2021-22 campaign, the last time he was healthy, Gallinari proved an effective offensive support for the Atlanta Hawks. He shot 38.1% from 3, something that could be helpful for finding a spot in head coach Joe Mazzulla’s rotation.
The West Linn native is on the radar of more than one opposing ball club per a new Heavy interview with an unnamed GM. https://t.co/AxAtqwYsLu
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) June 15, 2023
Gallinari could also benefit from the broader offseason landscape. Changes to the league’s CBA could make retaining players a more attractive option. Likewise, it could make the Celtics think twice about resigning Grant Williams to a new deal if they don’t like the price. Gallinari, 34, suddenly provides a bit of flexibility and depth for Boston on the wing.
At the same time, his contract could be paired with others if the Celtics are looking to make a splash this summer. If Boston is looking to make any sort of major upgrade, Gallinari could be collateral damage, though no such deal has been reported on at the time of this writing.
For now, welcome back to Boston, Danilo Gallinari!
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