Story by
Draymond Green Calls Out Danilo Gallinari Over Kawhi Leonard Accusation: ‘That’s Disgusting’
- Story by
- Draymond Green Calls Out Danilo Gallinari Over Kawhi Leonard Accusation: ‘That’s Disgusting’
Credits: Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors' veteran Draymond Green recently recorded an episode of his podcast, 'The Draymond Green Show,' in which he shared his opinion on Danilo Gallinari's recent comments about the Kawhi Leonard cap circumvention controversy, in which he accused him of derailing his career.
"I think wishing the NBA took $50 million from a player is disgusting. To walk around with this type of vendetta just because you got traded? That also wasn't his first time being traded, so for him to sit and act like Kawhi Leonard ruined his career is bulls–t," Draymond Green said .
Advertisement
"Gallinari is one of those guys who is extremely talented but was a little lazy. Gallinari was not someone known for giving his all to the game of basketball. He's one of those guys who comes in with a random back injury and isn't always in tip-top shape because the word around him is he doesn't really care."
"I think Gallinari would choose Paul George over himself, and if you won't, that's crazy, that's ridiculous… Kawhi Leonard doesn't have the power to trade a player; he can request it, but he can't make that trade. It was the franchise that had to agree, like they agreed to circumvent the cap."
Danilo Gallinari was a part of the trade package that brought Paul George to the Clippers in a blockbuster trade in the summer of 2019. Since Kawhi Leonard requested that the franchise bring George to Los Angeles , Gallinari believes he should now return the money he allegedly received in the salary cap circumvention scandal, approximately $50 million .
"He changed the trajectory of my career and put me in a difficult situation by sending me away from Los Angeles. What happened to my NBA career wasn't decided by a general manager or an owner, but by a player who decided that team wasn't good enough and wanted something else. He should give that money to charity. He should pay all $50 million, not just $700,000," Gallinari said a few days ago .
Advertisement
During his two seasons with the Clippers , Gallinari averaged 18.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists while shooting 44.8% from the field and 40.8% from beyond the arc.
Meanwhile, Paul George was a part of the MVP conversation at the time (finished third in voting for the 2018-19 season). Green correctly points out that the franchise also pulled the trigger and made the trade happen, so it is flawed to say only Kawhi Leonard derailed his career.
It is understandable that Gallinari blames Leonard for being sent to Oklahoma City , but if anyone is to blame for not finding a fit as a veteran on that young, rebuilding Thunder roster, it's Gallinari.
Moreover, Gallinari spent four more seasons in the NBA after that trade, during which he failed to impress other franchises like the Hawks , Wizards , Pistons, and Bucks that gave him a shot. So I also agree with Draymond Green that Gallinari's claims that Kawhi Leonard derailed his career are baseless.
