Dallas Mavericks rumors: Interest in trading for Danilo Gallinari

Dallas Mavericks rumors continue to circulate ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline. Kevin O’Connor reports they are interested in acquiring Danilo Gallinari.

The Dallas Mavericks are a lock to make the playoffs for the first time since 2016. They are hoping to advance past the first round, though. The last time they accomplished that was their championship season in 2011.

This is a different Mavericks team. Luka Doncic is leading the way after two decades of Dirk Nowitzki at the helm. Kristaps Porzingis gives Dallas a second star. They have a young talented team around their star duo. The Mavs are looking to upgrade at the deadline, though.

Dwight Powell suffered a torn Achilles on Jan. 21. That ended the season of the Mavericks starting center. Dallas will be looking for replacements on the trade market.

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The rumor mill will be running rampant until the deadline passes. Here is a look at the latest one for the Dallas Mavericks.

Interest in Gallo

Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer wrote a fantastic piece about Kristaps Porzingis and his fit in Dallas. Fans can read the entire article here.

In it, O’Connor reports that the Mavericks are interested in acquiring Danilo Gallinari from the Oklahoma City Thunder.

It will be interesting to see if they part with Gallo. The Thunder are currently seventh in the Western Conference and look primed to make the playoffs.

Stellar fit

Gallinari would be an instant upgrade for the Mavs. He is averaging 19.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.1 3-pointers made in 30.6 minutes per game. Gallo is shooting over 40 percent from 3-point range for the second straight season.

He can play both forward spots and gives Dallas another legitimate scoring threat. Gallinari would replace Justin Jackson in the rotation. Coach Carlisle would have to commit to playing small most of the time with Gallo at the four and KP manning the five.

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It will be interesting to see if the Mavericks can pry Danilo Gallinari out of Oklahoma City. Expect the front office to be active leading up to the deadline. The Mavs believe they can contend for a title this season. The future is bright, though. They should not rush it. Stay tuned for what is going to be a fun couple of weeks.