Denver Nuggets small forward Danilo Gallinari will end his multi year contract this season. He is expected to waive his player option and going to free agent market. As for now he is still struggling to battle strain in his groin.
Nuggets General Manager Tim Connelly said the team has prepared for possibility of the 6’10” wing player to opt out as the season ends, as reported by BSN Denver. In an interview with Vic Lombardi from Altitude Sport Radio on Monday Jan. 30, Connelly said that opting out is best option for Gallinari, but he expected Gallinari to stay.
“I’d be extremely happy if Gallo didn’t opt out,” Connelly said. “But he’s got to be selfish and maximize his earning power. That’s probably a safe bet.”
Gallinari is the leader in scoring for the Nuggets, averaging 17.2 points with 43.2 percent field goal average in his 34.2 minutes average playing time. He is also a good rebounder with 4.9 rebounds per game and have a good defensive trait.
The 28-year old player signed the two-year contract extension with Nuggets in August 2015 which will expire as the 2016-17 season ends. However, he has not maximized his full capacity in Denver. Therefore, it is logical for him to seek a better team and increase his value there.
Gallinari is currenty in the recover process from strain in his groin. He has undergone MRI test on Thursday as reported by CBS Sports. The result shows there is no structural damage and he will be able to be back in court soon.
Denver Nuggets is now on the 21-27 records in the Western Conference. Portland Trail Blazers has surpassed them in 8th position after after two straight losses without Gallinari playing against Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies. They expect Gallinari will be back on Friday, Feb. 3 in the game against Milwaukee Bucks that visit them at Pepsi Center, Denver.
Watch the highlight of Gallinari amazing play to score 32 points o Jan. 28 against Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena, Phoenix below: