The Boston Celtics are currently in fifth place in the Eastern Conference with their 26-21 record after having won their last four games. Despite the Celtics success so far this season they are not just going to stand pat with their current roster. President of basketball operations Danny Ainge still wants to make a big splash at the trade deadline and definitely has the assets to do so. With the Celtics main targets likely unavailable Boston may be eyeing Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari, according to O. Cauchi of Sportando.
The Celtics current 15 man roster is loaded with very talented players and because of that they are a very deep team but they are missing that one star player. Yes Isaiah Thomas was just named an All-Star but the Celtics are still looking for that one guy that will put them over the top. Previously they have been linked to DeMarcus Cousins and Kevin Love but it is unlikely either of them will be available so Gallinari may be the next best option.
Gallinari likely isn't on the same level as either Cousins or Love but he is still a very good player and an excellent scorer who would help the Celtics tremendously. Ainge is reportedly extremely high on Gallinari as he loves his ability to shoot and his leadership abilities so that's where the Celtics attention currently lies. The Nuggets current asking price for Gallinari is extremely high, per the report, as they want at least a couple of future first round picks for the small forward which has given Ainge some pause.
The Celtics may wait to see if the Nuggets asking price comes down for Gallo or maybe they will just pull the trigger considering they have so many assets to trade. From the Nuggets perspective they do not have to trade Gallinari as he just agreed to an extension this offseason that will take him through 2018, so unless they are given an offer they just can't refuse Gallinari will likely stay put.
Gallinari is currently in the middle of the best season of his career with the Nuggets so the huge interest from Boston makes sense. The 27-year-old forward is averaging career highs in points (19.4) and rebounds (5.7) while also making 37 percent of his three pointers. The fact that Gallinari is under contract for the next few years makes it more likely that the Celtics would be willing to give up a lot for him but we will know in the coming weeks just how serious Ainge is about making a big deal.
