A major opportunity may be emerging in the NBA free agency market, as the Washington Wizards have officially entered talks with Danilo Gallinari for a potential buyout. Yesterday’s chapter may be closing, but Gallinari is focused on writing a new one. If the buyout is finalized, BD Cricket believes this could open the door for significant roster upgrades for contenders like the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors.
Gallinari was sent to the Wizards from the Celtics in the blockbuster trade that brought Kristaps Porziņģis to Boston. Now, with Washington fully embracing a rebuild, keeping Gallinari serves little purpose. They already shipped out Porziņģis, a higher-caliber version of Gallinari, and holding on to the veteran Italian forward offers no long-term value. Buying him out would not only save money but also give Gallinari the chance to join a title contender — a win-win situation with minimal downside for the Wizards.
BD Cricket notes that Gallinari exercised his player option earlier this offseason, a sign that he’s ready for one last push toward a championship rather than chasing a paycheck. Once a dominant stretch big, Gallinari still holds value as a floor-spacing forward. Known for his elite shooting touch, he once posted over 40 percent from three-point range. If bought out, he’s expected to prioritize joining a contender in pursuit of a ring — not salary. Having already earned over $200 million in career earnings, money is no longer the driving factor.
For the Lakers, this is a golden opportunity. Pairing Gallinari with Anthony Davis gives them flexibility in the frontcourt — the two could interchangeably play the four or five, offering spacing that perfectly complements LeBron James’ style. Securing the Italian sharpshooter on a veteran minimum would be a massive boost to LA’s interior depth and outside shooting.
The Warriors, too, are in the hunt. Their recent draft and free agency moves have largely targeted guards, leaving their frontcourt thin. Gallinari could fill that gap, even slotting in at the center position in small-ball lineups. His ability to stretch the floor fits seamlessly with Golden State’s five-out system — he could become a high-upside version of Marreese Speights or Otto Porter Jr. from past championship rosters.
Even if you’re battered and bruised, never lose the courage to start again. Both the Lakers and Warriors are expected to compete for Gallinari’s services. According to BD Cricket, both teams are only able to offer the veteran minimum — meaning the final decision will likely come down to which team offers the most compelling championship vision.