There are a number of reasons for why the Los Angeles Clippers defied expectations and made the postseason this year, chief among them was the play of Danilo Gallinari. After playing in only 21 games last season, Gallinari appeared 67 games this year while averaging career-highs in scoring (19.9 points per game) and rebounding (6.2 boards a night).
It’s been quite the bounce back for Gallo, who still missed some time this year but was the best version of himself, an absolutely lethal offensive player whose ability to stretch the floor was an invaluable asset to his squad. Gallinari’s also in the penultimate year of his contract, which raises the question: What does the future have in store for the sharpshooting Italian?
A new piece by Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times addresses this. While Gallinari isn’t certain what will happen, he is adamant that he would love to stay in the City of Angels beyond next season.
“I feel great about this franchise, about this team,” Gallinari said. “I don’t know what’s in their plans. I’m just a spectator. I have another year on my contract next year. If I can be a part of this team for a long time, that’s my goal. That’s my dream.”
Gallinari will be 32 at the start of the 2020-21 season, and with his injury history, banking on him to stay healthy as he ages is quite the risk. He’s still a really good player whose ability to score should put him in some demand, although if he has his way, it sounds like Gallinari’s free agency will go pretty smoothly.
