NBA Trade Rumors: Danilo Gallinari is still likely to be traded by the Oklahoma City Thunder

What's the rumor?

Following his move to the Oklahoma City Thunder during the summer, it was heavily speculated that Danilo Gallinari would soon be traded to a contending team. Rumors have somewhat quietened in recent weeks, although Dan Favale of Bleacher Report believes that the Italian will still be traded in the weeks ahead:

Though the Thunder have proved scrappy early on, they don't seriously figure into the Western Conference playoff discussion. Gallinari is a fringe All-Star at his peak speeding toward free agency and, more than likely, a contract Oklahoma City has no business bankrolling. The real surprise would be his staying put.

In case you didn't know...

Gallinari joined the Oklahoma City Thunder as part of the blockbuster trade that sent Paul Goerge to the LA Clippers. The 31-year-old Italian was a borderline All-Star during his final season in Los Angeles, averaging 19.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 30.3 minutes per contest.

Despite struggling with injuries throughout his career, Gallinari has played in all 14 of the Thunder's games this season, and he has been able to maintain his form from last season, averaging 19.1 points and 5.6 rebounds.

The heart of the matter

Despite turning 31 earlier this year, Gallinari is playing the best basketball of his career, and he has also been among the NBA's best three-point shooters over the past 18 months. With the Thunder starting the season with a 5-9 record, his services are wasted in Oklahoma City, and it makes sense for them to trade him ahead of the deadline rather than lose him for free next summer.

What's next?

OKC will be looking to get back to winning ways tonight as they face the Los Angeles Lakers for the second time in three days.