Knicks News: Danilo Gallinari keeping ‘option open’ to return to New York

Could former Knicks forward Danilo Gallinari find his way back to New York next season?

Former New York Knicks lottery pick Danilo Gallinari is set to become a free agent this offseason, and the sharp-shooting forward is keeping his options open about where he might play.

Appearing as a guest on NBA TV on Wednesday, another former Knick, Greg Anthony, asked Gallinari if he would ever consider putting on a uniform that he has previously worn in his career, strongly alluding to the Knicks.

"“As a free agent, you want to see all of the options that you got on the table,” Gallinari said. “It’s also the fun part of free agency, too. So I will look at everything. And then I will make a decision.”"

Anthony, whose son Cole Anthony is a potential draft prospect for the Knicks, is still looking out for his former team. His NBA TV co-host Jared Greenberg called him out for hinting about the Knicks, and Gallo laughed in response.

"“I knew he was going there,” Gallinari said. “Hey, you never know, man. You never know. We keep that option open, too.”"

Gallinari was the sixth overall pick by New York in 2008, a raw rookie from Italy with a contagious last name for the PA announcer at the Garden to exaggerate after every bucket. In over two seasons with the Knicks, he averaged 13.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists.

He was ultimately dealt in the infamous Carmelo Anthony trade that saw New York relinquish several young assets for a player who was ready to sign with them a few months later in free agency.

Despite battling injury troubles throughout his career, Gallo has developed into a unique forward, standing 6-foot-10, with skills like a guard—handling the basketball, passing it, and draining threes from all over the court.

The Oklahoma City forward is set to become a free agent after this season. Obviously, the economic conditions of the game have changed dramatically due to the pandemic. It’s difficult to predict how the free agent market will look. But it could open the door for a player like Gallinari to sign a one-year, team-friendly deal.

The Italian basketball star has been hit particularly hard by the novel coronavirus. He was on the floor when the NBA season was suspended after Rudy Gobert tested positive for the virus. And he is from one of the most affected parts of Italy. He wrote about his experiences for The Players’ Tribune.