3 teams that could complete a trade for Danilo Gallinari this season

The NBA offseason has died down over the past few weeks after a relentless flurry of moves in the opening days of free agency. However, as the 2019-20 NBA season quickly approaches, the possibility for trades increases, and Oklahoma City Thunder forward Danilo Gallinari is among those likely to be on the move.

Last season with the Los Angeles Clippers, Gallinari averaged career highs in points (19.8) and rebounds (6.1), although the Italian was sent to Oklahoma City as part of the trade for Paul George.

However, OKC has no appetite to compete after losing George and Russell Westbrook during a tumultuous offseason, and the organization will be keen to cash in on Gallinari before he hits free agency next summer.

As one of the best sharpshooters in the NBA, Gallinari is expected to attract plenty of interest from contending teams, and here we will look at his most likely trade destinations.

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#3 Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers have failed to replace JJ Redick

After losing Jimmy Butler in free agency, the Philadelphia 76ers reacted by handing Tobias Harris a new-long term deal while also completing the surprise signing of Al Horford. However, the Sixers had to let JJ Redick leave to clear up enough cap space, leaving Brett Brown's team short on perimeter shooters.

The Sixers hope that Harris can develop into a sniper, although the 27-year-old connected with just 32% of his three-point attempts following his mid-season move to Philadelphia. Meanwhile, the recently acquired Josh Richardson has never topped 37% from downtown, while Ben Simmons' ongoing shooting woes have been well documented.

After shooting 43% from deep last season, Gallinari could be the final piece for a Sixers roster hoping to contend for a title, and Philadelphia could make a move ahead of the deadline.

#2 Miami Heat

The Miami Heat are looking to contend after signing Jimmy Butler

While the Oklahoma City Thunder continue to build for the future, the Miami Heat are fully focused on contending. The surprise acquisition of Jimmy Butler renewed confidence within the franchise, and Pat Riley is currently scouring the NBA for a potential co-star.

However, a second All-Star such as Bradley Beal is unlikely to link up with Butler this season, and Riley may have to turn to lesser names.

As a player who averaged almost 20 points per game last season, Danilo Gallinari fits into this category, and Miami has plenty of expiring contracts of their own to send to the Thunder.

An expanded trade that includes Steven Adams and Justise Winslow is also possible as the Heat will get increasingly desperate to put talent around Butler as the season progresses. Ultimately, Gallinari is not the blockbuster name that Miami fans want, although his addition could be enough to guide the Heat to the playoffs.

#1 Portland Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers are hoping to build on their trip to the Western Conference Finals

The Portland Trail Blazers have arguably the second-best backcourt in the NBA and the team is coming off an impressive run to the Western Conference Finals. However, the 2019 postseason served as a reminder of Portland's lack of depth, and there is a lack of perimeter shooting following Seth Curry's departure in free agency.

The addition of Danilo Gallinari would also provide the Blazers with a third scorer, and a starting quartet of Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum, Jusef Nurkic, and Gallinari is likely to cause problems to the best teams in the West.

Portland is armed with an array of expiring contracts including Hassan Whiteside, Kent Bazemore, and Gary Trent Jr., and the team may be willing to send a future pick to Oklahoma City. The addition of Gallinari won't guarantee a title, although it is a move that Portland should make as they attempt to maximize Lillard's prime years.