Danilo Gallinari Rumors: Clippers Seeking 3rd Team for Possible Sign-and-Trade

According to Sam Amick of USA Today, "the Los Angeles Clippers are trying to find a third team with cap space for a possible sign-and-trade with Denver" to acquire Danilo Gallinari.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported the Clippers made a "strong impression" on Gallinari during their presentation on Sunday. Amick added that Gallinari hasn't made up his mind, however, noting that the Sacramento Kings are no longer in the running to sign the forward but "a return to Denver is still known to be a possibility." 

Gordon Hayward may be the highest-profile free agent remaining on the market—notwithstanding Kevin Durant, who is expected to re-sign with Golden State and isn't being contacted by teams, per Chris Haynes of ESPN.com—but Gallinari is an excellent potential addition.

The forward thrived in the 2016-17 season, averaging 18.2 points and 5.2 rebounds per game while shooting 38.9 percent from beyond the arc. The Nuggets utilized him as a stretch 4 alongside burgeoning star Nikola Jokic, and Gallinari responded by leading the team in scoring and providing excellent floor spacing.

While the Clippers appear to be making a serious push for his services, Gallinari expressed an interest in returning to Denver after the season ended.

"The relationship between me, the city and the organization is great," he said in late May, per ESPN.com "This is the reason why I would love to reach an agreement to remain in Denver. I love it here. And I would love to remain with the Nuggets."

For the Clippers, Gallinari would combine with DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin to give the team a fascinating frontcourt. While losing Chris Paul and gaining the sharpshooter wouldn't be an upgrade this offseason, it would take some of the sting out of Paul's departure and keep the team firmly in the postseason conversation.