6 Underrated talents Suns could acquire to boost their title odds
By Tyler Watts
5. Danilo Gallinari
Gallinari missed the entire 2022-23 season recovering from a torn ACL and was traded to the rebuilding Wizards this summer. Washington has little use for a 35-year-old forward on a $6.8 million expiring contract. He seems eager to mentor the team’s young talent, but Il Gallo will likely be traded before the deadline or bought out.
The 6’10 forward is free to sign with any team if he hits the open market because he is making less than the non-taxpayer mid-level exception this season.
Gallinari is an absolute bucket. The 35-year-old can no longer handle 30-plus minutes per game but remains a strong scorer and floor spacer off the bench. Expect multiple contenders to have interest, especially if he proves is still the same player.
The Suns do not need scoring, but they are searching for depth, shot-making, and versatility. Danilo Gallinari has advanced beyond the first round of the playoffs just once in his 13-year NBA career.
Coming to the Valley of the Sun to play with Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal gives Il Gallo a shot to win his first championship and the team certainly has bench minutes available. Having three stars to recruit helps, but it may not be enough to convince Gallinari.