The Atlanta Hawks have upgraded well in the offseason, but the star newcomer Danilo Gallinari is apparently only planned as a backup behind John Collins. The Hawks still hope to be able to negotiate an early contract extension with the Power Forward.
“We had discussions with Danilo and his representatives, we made it clear to him that his role, for which he would sign, would be that he come in and be the backup behind John Collins,” said General Manager Travis Schlenk in a conference call with journalists.
Gallinari was one of the top free agents for the 2020 offseason, signing with the Hawks for three years and $ 61.5 million. Thanks to the additional reinforcement in the person of Bogdan Bogdanovic, Rajon Rondo or No.6-Pick Onyeka Okongwu, the Hawks are considered contenders for the playoffs.
The Italian put on 18.7 points and 5.2 rebounds for the Oklahoma City Thunder last season with odds of 43.8 percent from the field and 40.5 percent from downtown. The 32-year-old functions primarily as a stretch four in the modern NBA, so there is overlap with Collins, who is apparently planned as a starting power forward alongside center Clint Capela.
Due to the full front court in Atlanta, speculation recently circulated that the Hawks might be looking for a trade for Collins. Instead, according to Mark Medina, GM Schlenk emphasized USA Today but that the franchise continues to hope to negotiate an early contract extension with Collins.
The 23-year-old will become a restricted free agent next summer if the two parties cannot agree on a new contract. In 2019/20 Collins put up 21.6 points and 10.1 boards at 58.3 percent from the field and 40.1 percent from the triple line in 41 games.
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