NBA Extension Deadline: Danilo Gallinari Gets Extension from Nuggets

According to Benjamin Hochman of the Denver Post, the Nuggets and Danilo Gallinari have agreed to a four year, $42 million extension.

Gallinari, 23, was acquired from the New York Knicks last season in the Carmelo Anthony deal. This season Gallinari is averaging 17.4 points game, along with 5.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists. The young Italian has struggled from behind the 3-point line this season, shooting just .311.

Gallinari, who was the sixth overall selection in the 2008 NBA draft, is thought to be the biggest piece Denver received in the Carmelo Anthony deal. Gallinari's best game of the season came against his former team is a double overtime thriller, when he scored 37 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Gallinari outperformed Carmelo Anthony, who shot only 10-30 for 25 points.  

The Nuggets (12-5) have been successful without having any "superstars," similar to what the Philadelphia 76ers (12-5) have done. The Nuggets have been led by Danilo Gallinari and former UNC star Ty Lawson who is averaging 16 points, 6.7 assists and nearly four rebounds a game.