The Phoenix Suns could be eyeing a future addition before the Feb. 6 trade deadline. While they have been linked to forward Kevin Love along with the Portland Trail Blazers and the Denver Nuggets, they are more interested in dealing for Oklahoma City Thunder forward Danilo Gallinari, according to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report.
Gallo is viewed as a cheaper, more flexible option for teams trying to contend or make a playoff push. While Love is the bigger star, his gargantuan four-year, $120 million extension, which kicked off this year, is considered a massive load to haul for teams hoping to upgrade their roster.
“Not many teams will have cap space next summer. The Suns probably would be able to re-sign Gallinari at a much better price,” a Western Conference executive said. “There's uncertainty, especially if they give up a first-rounder, but the difference in price would make Gallinari the better target.”
While Love could come at the average of $30 million per year, Gallinari would only be owed part of his $22.6 million expiring contract, with the team having no further obligation to keep him after the season.
Gallo provides many of the things Kevin Love does on the court and could fit the role of stretch-four that is so highly sought after by teams like the Blazers, Nuggets, and Suns. The 31-year-old is averaging 18.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game while shooting an efficient 37.8% from deep.
Gallinari would be a clear upgrade over Dario Saric but fill in that same role, adding to a cast of Devin Booker, Kelly Oubre, and Deandre Ayton, all orbiting around newly-signed point guard Ricky Rubio.
At 13-20, the Suns are only one game behind the eighth-seeded San Antonio Spurs and could make waves if they upgrade and swing for the fences dealing for Danilo Gallinari.
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