NBA Trade Rumours: Blazers keen to acquire Danilo Gallinari from OKC

Portland Trail Blazers are reportedly looking to acquire Oklahoma City Thunder forward Danilo Gallinari. Blazers have Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, who work well as their backcourt duo. In a recent article by a sports website, Gallinari was mentioned as a potential trade target for the Blazers. 

NBA trade rumours: Trail Blazers want to acquire Danilo Gallinari from OKC?

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After Russell Westbrook and Paul George's departure from the Thunder, rumours about Gallinari's exit have also surfaced. The rumours about Thunder trading their veterans to focus on their young players surfaced even before the NBA 2019-20 season started. According to the above-mentioned article, the Trail Blazers could acquire Gallinari with a trade package which includes a first-round pick to the Thunder next season. Gallinari would fit well with the team and could work well with Portland's backcourt duo of Lillard and McCollum. Gallinari's expiring contract with the Thunder is another reason for the deal to happen as Thunder's goals for this season are not yet known. 

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Danilo Gallinari would be the All-Star-level power forward the Trail Blazers need. He would be their third-best scoring player, following Lillard and McCollum. Gallinari would also help the Trail Blazers improve their offensive efficiency. Their offence is currently ranked 10th in the NBA with 106.4 points per 100 possessions. Gallinari is currently averaging at 18.6 points, 5 rebounds and 1.7 per game with the Thunder, while shooting 43.8 % from the ground and 43. 7% from beyond the arc. He is their second-best scorer after Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. However, if the Thunder are planning to rebuild, trading Gallinari in the draft could be one of their best options. If Gallinari left during the 2020 NBA free agency, OKC would get nothing in return. Gallinari has made no comment about the situation. 

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