Almost from the moment that Oklahoma City traded away Paul George and Russell Westbrook, the trade talk surrounding the Thunder was when and where OKC was going to move Chris Paul.
But as the season has progressed, there’s a different name that’s being mentioned with increasing frequency – Danilo Gallinari.
Gallo has been a consistent presence in the Thunder’s lineup through the first 14 games, averaging 19.1 points and shooting 44.5% from the field.
And at 31, Gallinari is three years younger than Paul and his contract, while complicated, isn’t quite as difficult to offload.
Gallo has previously been suggested as a possible candidate in a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers.
The newest team that’s been mentioned in conjunction with the 31-year-old is the Chicago Bulls.
Per Fansided’s Pippen Ain’t Easy, the Bulls would propose a trade package of Otto Porter Jr., Denzel Valentine, and Luke Kornet for Gallinari, Terrance Ferguson, and Darius Bazley.
“And what this helps for the Thunder in return from the Bulls is a much-needed two-way wing with Porter Jr. and a strong spot-up three-point shooting presence with fourth-year shooting guard Denzel Valentine. If the Thunder still manage to stay in playoff contention in the Western Conference through the midpoint of the regular season, then a trade like this could make sense.”
As noted by JB Baruelo of Inquisitr, Porter is “clearly an upgrade for Ferguson in the Thunder’s win rotation”.
Through nine games, Porter Jr. is averaging 11.2 points, down from his career-high of 17.5 during the 2018-2019 season. That number, however, is still higher than Ferguson, who is averaging just 5.2 in 25.2 minutes per game.